Is Levitation Possible with Spin Top Magnets?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter baker27marine
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Magnets Spinning
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion confirms that levitation using spin top magnets is achievable through gyroscopic motion, where the magnet must spin to maintain stability. Spinning the platform does not affect the levitation effect. It is established that stable magnetic levitation cannot be achieved with simple ferromagnetic materials alone; however, configurations involving diamagnetic materials can create stability. Additionally, superconductors can achieve stable levitation, provided they are maintained at low temperatures.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gyroscopic motion and stability
  • Knowledge of magnetic materials, specifically ferromagnetic and diamagnetic
  • Familiarity with superconductors and their cooling requirements
  • Basic principles of magnetic levitation
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of gyroscopic stability in magnets
  • Explore configurations of diamagnetic materials for magnetic levitation
  • Study the properties and applications of superconductors in levitation
  • Investigate visual resources on magnetic levitation techniques
USEFUL FOR

Physics enthusiasts, materials scientists, and engineers interested in magnetic levitation technologies and applications.

baker27marine
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
They have the spin top magnet that you spin on top of a platform, which by effect causes it to appear to float. Is the effect any different if you spin the platform instead?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hi
I think I know the trick you are referring to. The magnet will flip over unless it is, itself, spinning (like a gyroscope) - which you will have discovered for yourself; spinning the base has no effect at all. There is a theorem that tells us you can't have a stable system of magnetic levitation with simple magnetic materials (ferromagnetic) but there are arrangements of magnets which include Diamagnetic Materials and these are stable.
Using a superconductor, you can achieve stable levitation - as long as you keep the superconductor cold enough!
Do a bit of googling using some of the above terms and you will find some good pictures and movies.
 

Similar threads

High School Magnetic Field & Particle Spin: Does It Matter?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Undergrad Question about orbital and spin magnetic dipole
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad Magnetic field lines around electron and wire seem to contradict
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Undergrad Charge movement relative to magnetic field frame dependence/invariance
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
High School Do materials surrounding magnets affect how superconductors levitate?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
High School Dimensional Spin Inspection
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Graduate Why does a magnet above a superconductor stop spinning?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Undergrad Magnets, Outer space, and Rings
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Undergrad Motorized top with internal unbalanced flywheel
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
444
High School Magnetic generator multiple poles. Cancel out or short circuit?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K