MadSci Network: Physics
Query:

Re: Can a closed coil be levitated above an AC electromagnet?

Date: Tue Mar 28 12:47:55 2000
Posted By: Bob Novak, Other (pls. specify below), Sr Process Research Engineer, Carpenter Technology
Area of science: Physics
ID: 953398900.Ph
Message:

Hi Jesse,

Do not try this experiment.  Your stove uses a 220 volt current source, 
which if modified, could be extremely dangerous. 

While it is true that conductors can be levitated above AC magnetic fields, 
the effect tends to dissipate because of resistance heating of the 
conductor.  At 60 Hz the coil has low impedance and most of the energy will 
be used to heat the coil.  The heating element on your range top is a coil 
and it gets very hot.

If you want to experiment with levitation, then I suggest you check the web 
site at  http://www.sci.kun.nl/hfml/fingertip.html

The article contains instructions for building a simple and SAFE magnetic 
levitation device.  The method uses common diamagnetic materials and has 
the potential for levitating large objects without the need for powerful 
magnetic fields.

Bob Novak



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