Neodymium magnets, 1 x 6 x 6mm graphite squares
Neodymium magnets, 1 x 6 x 6mm graphite squares
Neodymium magnets, 1 x 6 x 6mm graphite squares
Neodymium magnets, 1 x 6 x 6mm graphite squares Close up

 

Code Number: 5G30.45

Demo Title: Four and Nine Magnet Diamagnetic Levitator

Condition: Excellent

Principle: Magnetic Orientations

Area of Study: Electricity & Magnetism

Equipment: Neodymium magnets, 1 x 6 x 6mm graphite squares.

Procedure:

Align the 9 magnets so that when they are facing up and alternating North/South with North poles on all corners of the square.  Place the graphite above the center of the magnet square.  It should float quite stably 1 or 2 mm above the magnets in a potential well that is produced by the quadrupole effect of the four South facing magnets.

A 4 magnet array ( 2 X 2 cube ) also works quite well for this demonstration.

References:

  • Ron Edge, "A Simple Diamagnetic Levitation Experiment", TPT, Vol. 41, # 2, p. 122, Feb 2003.
  • Simon Quellen Fields, "Levitating Pyrolytic Graphite", Gonzo Gismos, p. 24 - 28.
  • Theodore Gray, "Ignorance=Maglev=Bliss",  Popular Science, Feb. 2004, p. 90.
Levitating Pyrolytic Graphite
Levitating Pyrolytic Graphite PDF