Finding the magnetic force in a Levitron toy

[soccer1187]

hi, I am new to this i hope someone can help
i have a small problem with what formula i should use for my project

i have this magnetic toy that is called the levitron and it levitates this magnetic top over a bass that is also a magnet. I am trying to find the force between the two magnets.


here is the link if you need any more information. http://www.levitron.com/physics.html

 

[andonrangelov]

If you are interested in the physics of levitron phenomena here is a good mathematical description by Professor Michael Berry http://www.phy.bris.ac.uk/people/berry_mv/the_papers/Berry271.pdf

 

[HallsofIvy]

Assuming that the top is just sitting above the base, the force is exactly equal to the weight of the top! And it is probably easier to weigh the top than to find all of the data you would need to calculate the magnetic force.

 

[soccer1187]

If you are interested in the physics of levitron phenomena here is a good mathematical description by Professor Michael Berry http://www.phy.bris.ac.uk/people/berry_mv/the_papers/Berry271.pdf

thanks a lot for the site.

 

[soccer1187]

Assuming that the top is just sitting above the base, the force is exactly equal to the weight of the top! And it is probably easier to weigh the top than to find all of the data you would need to calculate the magnetic force.

thats what i thought when i started this project, but to take this simple step and stretch it out into a 6 page report and a 10 min presentation is a little complicated