Scientists have unraveled the physics behind a puzzling phenomenon known as “magnet levitation,” initially reported by a Turkish researcher in 2021. The phenomenon involves the levitation of a nearby magnet induced by the rapid rotation of another magnet, challenging traditional physics principles.
Researchers from the Technical University of Denmark conducted a series of experiments to elucidate how a spinning magnet can cause levitation in a secondary magnet without the need for stability. The original 2021 experiment involved connecting a magnet to a fast-spinning motor, resulting in an adjacent magnet hovering unexpectedly. This occurrence contradicted conventional magnetic laws, prompting further investigation.
Rasmus Bjørk, the lead researcher from DTU, sought to replicate and delve deeper into the experiment. The team utilized various types of magnets, varying their motion speeds to observe the effects. High-speed cameras and motion-tracking software were employed to analyze the events and understand the underlying reasons for this unconventional behavior.
Contrary to expectations based on magnetostatics, the “floater magnet” (the second magnet) positioned itself near the axis of rotation and towards the same pole as the spinning magnet. Through simulations, researchers determined that the magnetic field of the spinning magnet exerted torque on the floater, causing both magnets to revolve simultaneously due to the gyroscopic effect. However, the floater exhibited slight resistance, resulting in a parallel alignment.
Moreover, a minor misalignment in the spinning magnet’s polar axis relative to its magnetic field created a delicate balance of attracting and repulsive forces, enabling the floater to maintain a constant levitated position.
The study concluded that the floater magnet strives to align itself with the spinning magnet but lacks the speed to do so. As long as this coupling is sustained, the floater magnet hovers or levitates. The phenomenon doesn’t rely on gravity as a balancing force but is attributed to magnetostatic interactions between the rotating magnets. The researchers’ findings provide a comprehensive understanding of this novel magnetic levitation experiment.
