MadSci Network: Physics
Query:

Re: How Can I make An ElectroMagnet Repell Rather Than Attract???

Date: Thu Jul 26 13:39:59 2001
Posted By: Dr. Fred Jeffers, Staff, Magnetic Recording Research, Iomega corp.
Area of science: Physics
ID: 995788760.Ph
Message:

     Your question has so little detail that it is hard to answer.  Any 
magnet will repel or attract another magnet depending on how they are 
oriented.  If one magnet is fixed and the other free to move but not 
rotate, rotating the fixed magnet to the proper angle will allow you to 
repel the magnet that is free to move.     
     Soft iron objects like a nail are always attracted by an 
electromagnet or a permanent magnet.  
     If you obtain some diamagnetic material it will always be repelled by 
any magnet.  Pyrolytic graphite is the best, and the metal Bismuth is also 
good.  However, they are hard to get.  You can use a grape because water 
is weakly diamagnetic!  Obtain a strong magnet.  Those made of NdFeB are 
the best, but you can use an electromagnet if it is very strong.  Stick 
two grapes on the opposite ends of a stick perhaps 6 inches long.  Attach 
a thread to the middle of the stick and move it until the stick balances.  
Then very carefully move your magnet up to one of the grapes and it will 
be repelled!  NEAT!


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