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How to Do a Magnetic Levitation

Magnetic levitation is used in the design of modern-day hover trains, and is accomplished by using the repelling force of two similar magnetic poles. The more force that is applied to push the two opposing poles together, the more the magnets push back to repel each other. This principle is used to allow magnets to bear incredible amounts of weight and is what makes entire passenger trains levitate.

Things You'll Need

6-inch-by-6-inch-by-.5 inch wooden board
6-inch-tall wooden dowel that is slightly smaller in diameter than the center hole of the ceramic magnets
Six ring ceramic magnets
Wood glue

Instructions

- 1
  Glue the wooden dowel upright in the very center of the wooden board. Wait for the glue to dry.
- 2
  Determine the poles of each of the magnets by pushing together each side until the two sides repel each other. Once a repelling force has been found leave the two magnets with their repelling sides facing upright and place them in line to be inserted on the dowel. Repeat for all magnets.
- 3
  Keeping the magnets faceup, place the dowel through the center hole of the first magnet and let it drop. For the second magnet, flip the magnet facedown and insert through the dowel.
- 4
  Repeat the faceup, then facedown, insertion onto the dowel until all the magnets are placed through the dowel with their opposing poles facing each other.
- 5
  Examine how the opposing magnetic forces are keeping the magnets levitating on the dowel.

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