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A classroom demonstration of levitation and suspension of a superconductor over a magnetic track

C. P. Strehlow, M. C. Sullivan

Open publisher page 8 citations

Abstract

The suspension and levitation of superconductors by permanent magnets is a fascinating consequence of superconductivity, and a wonderful way to generate interest in low-temperature physics and electrodynamics. We present a classroom demonstration of the levitation/suspension of a superconductor over a magnetic track that maximizes the levitation/suspension time and the separation distance between the magnetic track and superconductor. The demonstration, as described, is both inexpensive and easy to construct. © 2009 American Association of Physics Teachers.

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What this paper is about

The suspension and levitation of superconductors by permanent magnets is a fascinating consequence of superconductivity, and a wonderful way to generate interest in low-temperature physics and electrodynamics. We present a classroom demonstration of the levitation/suspension of a superconductor over a magnetic track that maximizes the levitation/suspension time and the separation distance between the magnetic track and superconductor. The demonstration, as described, is both inexpensive and easy to construct. © 2009 American Association of Physics Teachers.

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Available abstract

The suspension and levitation of superconductors by permanent magnets is a fascinating consequence of superconductivity, and a wonderful way to generate interest in low-temperature physics and electrodynamics. We present a classroom demonstration of the levitation/suspension of a superconductor over a magnetic track that maximizes the levitation/suspension time and the separation distance between the magnetic track and superconductor. The demonstration, as described, is both inexpensive and easy to construct. © 2009 American Association of Physics Teachers.

Key concepts: Levitation, Magnetic levitation, Spin-stabilized magnetic levitation, Electromagnetic suspension, Electrodynamic suspension, Suspension (topology), Physics, Superconductivity

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