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Magnetic levitation facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Science show magnetic levitation
Magnetic levitation can be achieved using different techniques, here rotation is used

Magnetic levitation, maglev, or magnetic suspension is a method by which an object is suspended with no support other than magnetic fields. Magnetic force is used to counteract the effects of the gravitational acceleration and any other accelerations.

The two primary issues involved in magnetic levitation are lifting forces: providing an upward force sufficient to counteract gravity, and stability: ensuring that the system does not spontaneously slide or flip into a configuration where the lift is neutralized.

Magnetic levitation is used for maglev trains, contactless melting, magnetic bearings and for product display purposes.

Images for kids

  • Levitation superconductivity

    A superconductor levitating a permanent magnet

  • Maglev june2005

    The Transrapid system uses servomechanisms to pull the train up from underneath the track and maintains a constant gap while travelling at high speed

  • Floating globe

    Floating globe. Magnetic levitation with a feedback loop.

  • Aluminium foil above induction cooktop

    Aluminium foil floating above the induction cooktop thanks to eddy currents induced in it.

  • Permanent magnet stably levitated between fingertips

    Permanent magnet stably levitated between fingertips

  • Diamagnetic graphite levitation

    Diamagnetic levitation of pyrolytic carbon

  • Frog diamagnetic levitation

    A live frog levitates inside a 32 mm diameter vertical bore of a Bitter solenoid in a magnetic field of about 16 teslas

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Levitación magnética para niños

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Magnetic levitation Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.