Is Magnetism Used in Engineering? Can Someone Explain This Video?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the use of magnetism in engineering, specifically in relation to a video demonstrating a magnetic device. Participants explore whether the device is functional or a hoax, the principles of magnetism involved, and the potential for constructing a similar device.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the authenticity of the video, asking if the device is a hoax and whether it is based on normal uses of magnetism.
  • Another participant suggests that the motion of the handheld magnets is crucial for the operation of the device, implying that energy is supplied through this motion.
  • A different viewpoint raises skepticism about the video's legitimacy, proposing that the motor might have been powered by a battery instead of solely relying on magnetism.
  • One participant humorously suggests that video manipulation could create the illusion of a functioning device, referencing a scenario involving a "magic carrot" to illustrate the point about misleading representations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the functionality of the device shown in the video, with some believing it could work under certain conditions while others suspect it is a hoax. No consensus is reached regarding the validity of the claims made in the video.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the potential for magnets to weaken over time, but this aspect remains unexplored in detail. The discussion also touches on the accuracy of controlling magnet positions, which is not fully resolved.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in the principles of magnetism, engineering applications of magnetic devices, and those curious about the authenticity of online demonstrations may find this discussion relevant.

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Can someone explain this video:



If I put this together myself should I expect it work or is that some hoax? If that's just a normal use of magnetism, then where can I read more about the principles behind it? Do these magnets get weaker over time?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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From a recent comment on the video:
MagneticSyncopation said:
If you notice at 1:57,he is moving the handheld magnets.If you can understand this, how he is able to keep this working is due to the motion of his hand affecting the position of the hand-held magnet.

In other words, by moving the hand-held magnet he does work (i.e. supplies energy) on the system.

If you do build this, please post back and let us know what you find out.
 
It looked like the motor was turning pretty fast, so maybe they stopped the filming and inserted a battery in the wiring. So it would be a hoax. Don't waste your time with it.

You could make a synchronous motor like that, but you couldn't control the magnet accurately enough with your hand.
If all the magnets in the rotor were mounted with north poles facing out then you could attract each one with a south pole and then repel it with a north pole to keep the rotor turning.
 
If you start out with a rapidly spinning wheel and videorecord it as the dynamic brake of the light slows it to a stop while you hold a carrot nearby, then you can reverse the clip and post it on youtube and get a few people to try wiggling a magic carrot around...lol.
Sometimes the object is selling them the magic carrots to play with.
 

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