The discussion centers on the principles of electromagnetic levitation demonstrated in a video featuring a floating frog, achieved through powerful magnetic fields. Participants confirm that the levitation is a result of alternating magnetic fields generated by a coil, inducing eddy currents in an aluminum plate beneath it. Key factors influencing the effectiveness of this setup include the coil's reactance, the frequency of the alternating current, and the properties of the metal plate used. The conversation highlights the potential for further exploration into optimizing these variables for enhanced levitation effects.
PREREQUISITESPhysics enthusiasts, engineers, and hobbyists interested in electromagnetic applications, particularly those exploring magnetic levitation technologies.
ranger said:Ever see a floating (or flying) frog?
russ_watters said:It looks like normal magnetic levitation to me. Nothing particularly exciting about that.
MrHayman said:The coil creates a alternating magnetic field around it. This induces an opposing alternating magnetic field, from eddy currents, in the alluminum plate under the coil.
You can do it with a small coil of wire plugged directly into the wall, if the coil has the right reactance. To large a coil will be too heavy. To small a coil will melt. You need the metal plate and alluminum or copper is best.
Would be interesting to calculate how intense a field you would need to get enough inductive reaction from the air or vacuume. So you could do it without the metal plate.