Magnetic Levitator

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From: SFPhysics@aol.com
Date: Thu Nov 18 1999 - 20:57:11 PST 

From: SFPhysics@aol.com
Message-ID: <0.ca1a1a75.256632a7@aol.com>
Date: Thu, 18 Nov 1999 23:57:11 EST
Subject: Magnetic Levitator

Thanks Paul -

I was not aware that anyone had produced diamagnetic levitator
demonstrations. The AC current levitator at the AAPT at University of the
Pacific was VERY impressive. An aluminum frying pan is levitated 8" to 10"
above the unit and sits in a stabile position hovering in the air. The
induced current in the frying pan allows you to cook an egg from the heat of
the eddy currents! The magnetic field is accomplished using several sets of
shaped coils, aligned pole pieces, and a bank of non-polarized oil filled
capacitors. Only a few of these units exist and they were made from plans
someone at UOP had obtained. Luckily, Mike Ugawa of St. Ignatius has a set
which he offered to give me this Saturday at the Physics Teachers symposium
in Oakland. I have made the old units that send up an aluminum ring, etc.;
but, the shaped magnetic field of the UOP levitator is something
extraordinary.

Best to you and the rest of the Pinholer LIst,

Al Sefl

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