Re: falling magnet demo

["Eugene P. Mosca" <mosca@nadn.navy.mil>]

Guntbert Reiter  wrote:

> > > nested copper pipes about 2.5 m long. Our magnets are "cattle" magnets about
> > > 3" long purchased from a local farm supply store. They are small cylindrical
> >
> > What are those originally used for?

To which Roger Pruitt replied:

> Cattle are forced to swallow these magnets to attract bits of iron metal
> such as nails and small pieces of wire that might have been ingested by the
> animal. These pieces of metal, being attached to the magnet, are not so
> likely to puncture the animal's stomach.

Back 10 to 20 years ago there was a rush on the cow-magnet market which
created a shortage.  Consequently, many cows had to go without a magnet
until supply met demand.  This rush was due to a rumor that one could
improve the gas mileage on one's car by taping cow magnets to the gas
line. 

This story is no bull.

Gene

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Eugene (Gene) P. Mosca           Phone 410-293-6659 (Fax 3729)
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