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How to Make a MagLev Track

Magnetic levitation describes happens when like poles of two strong enough magnets approach one another. Because like magnetic poles repel each other, the magnets push each other away and, under the right circumstances, one magnet will levitate over the other. The term "maglev" is derived from magnetic levitation. True maglev trains take expert engineering and powerful electromagnets, but you can demonstrate basic maglev properties with some wood and magnets.

Things You'll Need

Tape measure
Saw
Straight edge
2 24-inch long magnetic tape strips
2 5-inch long magnetic tape strips
24-inch long wood 2-by-4 board
2 24-inch lengths of metal angle stock
4-by-5-inch piece of thin balsa wood

Instructions

Prepare the Track
- 1
  Draw a straight line exactly down the center of the 2-by-4.
- 2
  Draw two more straight lines parallel to the first line, each spaced 1/8 inch from the center line.
- 3
  Place the two angle pieces on both sides of the 2-by-4 with the edges aligned with the parallel lines. The interior of the angles should face the center of the 2-by-4.
- 4
  Attach the angles in place with double-sided tape.
- 5
  Mark a straight line on each angle 1/8 inch from the edge and parallel to the edge.
- 6
  Peel the backing from two of the lengths of magnetic tape and adhere them to the angles. The interior edge of each strip of magnetic tape should be aligned with the line drawn on each angle.
Prepair the "Train"
- 7
  Measure the distance between the vertical sides of the two angles.
- 8
  Draw a straight line through the center of the balsa wood, parallel to the longer sides.
- 9
  Draw two more parallel lines, each inch from the center of the first line.
- 10
  Adhere both 5-inch magnetic tape strips to the balsa wood, aligning the interior edge of the magnetic tape with the outer lines drawn on the wood.
- 11
  Place the balsa wood "train car" over the magnetic track and give it a light push.

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