magnetic levitation

Electromagnetic levitation device that includes a permanent magnet for primary force (big dark-gray ring), and electromagnets for stabilization (copper coils in the center) An experiment with off-the-shelf components uses a magnet glued to the end of a rotary multitool. Its rotation causes a second magnet to levitate millimeters away from the first one. Magnetic levitation can be stabilised using different techniques; here rotation (spin) is used Magnetic levitation (maglev) or magnetic suspension is a method by which an object is suspended with no support other than magnetic fields. Magnetic force is used to counteract the effects of the gravitational force and any other forces.

The two primary issues involved in magnetic levitation are (a) lifting forces – providing an upward force sufficient to counteract gravity, and (b) stability – ensuring that the system does not spontaneously slide or flip into a configuration where the lift is neutralized.