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How to Make a Ball Float Using Magnets

Magnets have either a negative or positive polarity, to attract specific metals. Those that have opposite polarities are also capable of attracting each other. However, if you attempt to push two magnets with the same polarity, the two push back against each other and refuse to touch. Use this attribute of magnets to make a ball float for a science experiment, or as something interesting to do with your children.

Things You'll Need

3 magnets of equal polarity
Small ball
Glue or double-sided tape

Instructions

- 1
  Attach a magnet with either positive or negative polarity to a small ball, using glue or double-sided tape. Double-sided tape is a more temporary choice.
- 2
  Hold two magnets with a polarity equal to the magnet attached to the ball, each in either hand. Hold them close together, facing up and at a slight angle toward each other, to form an upside-down, open-ended "V."
- 3
  Ask a partner to place the ball over the two magnets you hold, with the ball's magnet facing toward the floor. The equal polarity keeps the ball hovering over the two magnets you hold.

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