Levitron with tops, perpetuator, top starter
Levitron with tops, perpetuator, top starter
Levitron with tops

 

Code Number: 5H20.22

Demo Title: Levitron (TM) - Levitation Using Permanent Magnets

Condition: Excellent

Principle: Levitation and Opposing Magnetic Fields

Area of Study: Electricity & Magnetism

Equipment: 

Levitron with tops, perpetuator, top starter.

Procedure:

The apparatus must be leveled for each use.  The top may need to be rebalanced after each use also.  Use the plastic starter table and start the top spinning.  Once the top is spinning you should be able to raise the plastic until the top floats in space.

References:

  • Ron. D. Edge, "Corrections to Levitation Paper", TPT, Vol. 34, # 6, Sept. 1996, p. 329.
  • Ron Edge, "Levitation Using Only Permanent Magnets", TPT, Vol. 33, # 4, p. 252 - 253, April 1995.
  • Max. M. Michaelis, "Inclined Levitron Experiments", AJP, Vol. 80, # 11, Nov. 2012, p. 949.
  • Martin D. Simon, Lee O. Heflinger, and S. L. Ridgway, "Spin Stabilized Magnetic Levitation", AJP, Vol. 65, #4, Apr. 1997, p. 286.
  • "205. Levitating Top",  Christopher P. Jargodzki and Franklin Potter,  Mad About Physics, p. 77, 218.
  • Martin D. Simon, Lee O. Hefinger, S.L. Ridgway, "Spin Stabilized Magnetic Levitation", American Association of Physics Teachers, April 1997.
  • Theodore Gray, "Ignorance=Maglev=Bliss", Popular Science, Feb. 2004, p. 90.