Is a diamagnetic levitation engine possible?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of a diamagnetic levitation engine, specifically whether a magnet could be used to levitate a vehicle above a dry lakebed. Participants explore the energy requirements and the magnetic properties of various materials in relation to levitation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if a magnet could be flipped to levitate a 1000kg vehicle, asking about the energy required for such levitation.
  • Another participant points out that levitation relies on the proximity of two magnets and suggests that it wouldn't work over a lake.
  • Some participants argue that all materials possess some magnetic properties, while others challenge this assertion, stating that non-magnetic materials like soil or sand would not support levitation.
  • There is a repeated emphasis on the idea that magnets can only repel other magnets, which raises questions about the ground material in the levitation scenario.
  • A participant references existing maglev technology as a related concept but implies that the proposed idea is not feasible for general transportation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the magnetic properties of materials and the feasibility of using magnets for levitation. There is no consensus on whether the proposed concept could work, and multiple competing views remain regarding the underlying principles of magnetism and levitation.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the limitations of using non-magnetic materials for levitation and the dependence on specific conditions for magnetic interactions. There are unresolved questions about the energy requirements and practical applications of the proposed concept.

RealJebKerman
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I recently saw the video of the frog being levitated with a big magnet. Would it be possible to flip the magnet over and use it to levitate a vehicle? How much energy would it take to levitate, say, a 1000kg vehicle above a dry lakebed?
 
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Please provide a link to the frog video. PF rules require that you cite your source when making statements like that.

Yes, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maglev Maglev trains are already in operation in several places.

But levitation depends on the proximity of two magnets. It wouldn't work over a lake.
 

All materials have at least some magnetic properties, or the frog wouldn’t levitate. And I don’t mean water, I meant the salt flats like in Utah.
 
RealJebKerman said:
Would it be possible to flip the magnet over and use it to levitate a vehicle? How much energy would it take to levitate,
Have you ever seen a junkyard?

59132020-lifting-electro-magnet-with-old-car-3d-illustration.jpg
 

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But the magnet would be on the vehicle and repel the ground below it.
 
RealJebKerman said:
But the magnet would be on the vehicle and repel the ground below it.

I gave you that answer in post #2.
 
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Dry soil/sand.
 
RealJebKerman said:
Dry soil/sand.
It would not levitate due to soil/sand not being magnetic, magnets can only push magnets
 
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  • #10
All materials have at least some degree of magnetism.
 
  • #11
RealJebKerman said:
All materials have at least some degree of magnetism.
Not true.

Please keep on learning about STEM subjects, and asking questions. That's a great thing, and it will lead you on a good path in life.

Unfortunately this idea of yours in this thread will not work. If it could work, it would be used widely for transportation already. The maglev train example mentioned earlier is the closest to what you are thinking about. Please study the Relevant Concepts and Equations for Maglev transportation linked to earlier, and if you have specific questions about that reading, start a new thread with links to that reading and your questions. Keep on learning! :smile:
 
  • #12
Oops, I thought this was already posted in this thread Maybe it was from a different recent similar thread. In any case, here is the Maglev link:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maglev
 

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