Magnetism vs Altitude: Magnetic Pull & Gravity

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter homerwho
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Altitude Magnetism
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the interaction between magnetism and gravity, specifically how a horseshoe magnet can lift objects against gravitational pull. It is established that the force between two magnets decreases with distance according to the formula 1/r^4. However, the magnetic attraction of a typical horseshoe magnet to a soft ferromagnetic material, such as an iron plate, remains unaffected by altitude. Magnetic levitation technology, effective up to 30cm, is also referenced, highlighting its practical applications.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of magnetic forces and their principles
  • Familiarity with gravitational concepts
  • Knowledge of magnetic levitation technology
  • Basic physics of force decay with distance
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "magnetic levitation technology" for practical applications
  • Explore the formula for magnetic force decay, specifically 1/r^4
  • Investigate the properties of hard and soft ferromagnetic materials
  • Learn about the engineering behind maglev trains and their operational principles
USEFUL FOR

Physics enthusiasts, engineers, and anyone interested in the principles of magnetism and its applications in technology such as magnetic levitation.

homerwho
Messages
42
Reaction score
17
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?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: homerwho

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
3K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
4K
  • · Replies 42 ·
2
Replies
42
Views
3K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K