Home >> Science & Nature >> Rocks & Minerals

How to Float Neodymium Magnets

Neodymium, or NIB, magnets are a type of rare earth magnet and extremely powerful. Their magnetic field is strong enough to affect diamagnetic materials such as graphite and bismuth, which are repelled by magnetic fields. By taking advantage of these scientific principles, you can appear to make an object float or levitate.

Things You'll Need

Nine cube-shaped neodymium magnets of any size
Graphite refills for a mechanical pencil
Glue or tape

Instructions

- 1
  Arrange the magnets in a three-by-three grid, alternating the poles of the magnets. Magnets with opposite poles will stick together. The magnets must be in this configuration to generate a sufficiently strong magnetic field gradient.
  
  NSN
  
  SNS
  
  NSN
- 2
  Break the graphite sticks into small sections, no greater than the width of your arranged magnet. Glue or tape several sticks together to form a small graphite raft.
- 3
  Place the graphite raft above the arranged magnets and the graphite will float a few millimeters.

Rocks & Minerals