Diamagnetic Levitation 2 - Bismuth

The first shot shows the setup of this experiment. One big cylindrical magnet, made from neodymium (NdFeB), is hung at the top, above two plates of bismuth. Bismuth is element nr. 83; a highly diamagnetic metal. Diamagnetic means that it creates an opposing magnetic field if there is a magnetic field close to it. That means that it will repel a magnet.

The small cube between the two plates of bismuth is also made of neodymium (NdFeB) and measures 5x5x5 mm. The two plates of bismuth repel the magnet, but they are not strong enough to overcome gravity. This is solved by the big cylindrical magnet on top of it all attracting the small magnet.

If all elements are aligned carefully, the small magnet will float stably between the two bismuth plates. You can easily push the magnet and it will go back to the center. It can spin for hours!

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• bismut
• bismuth
• levitation
• diamagnetism
• diamagnetic
• diamagnet
• graphite
• levitate
• float
• magnet
• magnetic
• neodymium
• ndfeb

[TheMegaTrolldad]

where did you get your bismuth plates?

[PaulsLab]

@TheMegaTrolldad I cast these bismuth plates myself using a muffin pan and some very pure bismuth. I have some more, contact me if you're interested.

[matsuoka23]

can I do it with copper isntead of bismuth???

[PaulsLab]

@matsuoka23 No, because copper is not as diamagnetic as bismuth, the result will be zero levitation. Unless you would use extremely powerfull magnets, but such high-tech equipment is only usable in laboratories.

[bhargavibudhani]

can u plzz tell how to make it..step by step..

gotta make a projct

[PaulsLab]

@bhargavibudhani Anyone who wants to build this rig themselves can contact me at: paul AT paulslab DOT com

[spadgeful]

Alright what's your hobby?

Magnets

Your hobby can't just be magnets

[ataybruce]

You can't explain that.

[InnovativeMaterials]

@matsuoka23 Of course you can: Search in youtube for diamagnetically stabilized levitation over copper.

[lazyorc]

Hey, would it be bard to melt the Bismuth over magnets so that it forms its crystals in mid air? I was thinking about making a large bowl out of magnets and pouring the molten bismuth in to see what kind of crystals it would make.

[Tackington]

now add a generator on it

[BenZeneProject]

k3wl vid

[cabadra]

I'm pitching a pretty cool diamagnetic levitation sculpture on kickstarter. (Search for 'levitation'.) Fully adjustable, so you could buy your own magnets and experiment too!

[namyoon0]

dude that shit looks like a burger...Gave me the chronic case of the munchies....I just wanna reach into my screen and rip that burger out of there