Magnetism vs Altitude: Magnetic Pull & Gravity

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    Altitude Magnetism
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interaction between magnetism and gravity, specifically focusing on whether magnetic pull decreases with altitude and the implications for magnetic levitation. Participants explore the effectiveness of horseshoe magnets in lifting objects and the factors influencing this force.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that a horseshoe magnet can lift objects off the ground and questions if magnetic pull decreases with altitude.
  • Another participant states that the force between two magnets falls off as 1/r^4, indicating a significant reduction in force with distance.
  • A participant references the phenomenon of magnetic levitation, noting its effectiveness up to 30cm altitude and suggests looking into "maglev" technology for further details.
  • There is a repeated inquiry about whether altitude affects the magnetic force between a horseshoe magnet and an iron plate, with one participant asserting that typical attraction is independent of altitude.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the impact of altitude on magnetic pull, with some suggesting a decrease in force while others argue that it remains constant. The discussion does not reach a consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the effectiveness of magnetic levitation may depend on specific conditions and the types of materials involved, but these factors remain unresolved in the discussion.

homerwho
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Magnetism as an attractive force can overcome gravity and lift things. I'm suggesting that a horseshoe magnet will overcome gravity and lift things off of the ground. Is there a reduction of magnetic pull with altitude?
 
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Force between two magnets falls off 1/r^4, where r-distance between magnets.

The "magnetic levitation" technology do exist and is generally effective up to 30cm altitude. Google "maglev" for details.
 
I've seen the levitating frog in a magnetic field. I asking if a horeshoe magnet and an iron plate stuck to the magnet. Will altitude decay the force on the plate to where the plate falls off of the magnet
 
homerwho said:
I've seen the levitating frog in a magnetic field. I asking if a horeshoe magnet and an iron plate stuck to the magnet. Will altitude decay the force on the plate to where the plate falls off of the magnet
Typical horseshoe magnet (hard ferromagnetic) attraction to nearby soft ferromagnetic (iron plate) is independent of altitude.
 
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