Re: Student demonstration in Magnetism

["Karl I. Trappe" <trappe@PHYSICS.UTEXAS.EDU>]

Wolfgang's distinction is correct.  Only the configuration gives it
the stability to "levitate", and strictly speaking, that is not what
one normally considers levitating, ie, its not stable on its own, but
due to apparatus design constraints.  Karl

> Regardless of the size and weight of the wire and how much current
> you are able to put through it, it's not going to levitate.  The
> student can demonstrate the force of repulsion (or attraction)
> between the two current-carrying wires, but levitation is not
> possible because you cannot have a position of stable equilibrium.
> In the kind of apparatus Karl was suggesting, the wire (or coil of
> wire) is supported mechanically so that there is only one degree of
> motion.  Wolfgang
>
>
>
> > I have talked to the student again.
> > He wants to direct current through one wire and have the magnetic fie=
> > ld of that wire levitate a different wire on top.
> > He was initially using a 1 kilogram wire, which I was like what kind =
> > of wire is that?
> > He is now going to use a 2 gram wire. =20
> > The school's power supply can only supply 6 A.
> >
> > I am not really sure what gauge wire to use or what potential differe=
> > nce....
> >
> > Tina
> >
> > Tina Fanetti
> > Physics Instructor
> > Western Iowa Technical Community College
> > 4647 Stone Ave
> > Sioux City IA 51102
> > 712-274-8733 ext 1429

--
Dr. Karl I. Trappe                      Desk (512) 471-4152
Lecture Demonstration Office            Office (512) 471-5411
Physics Department, Mail Stop C-1600    Home (512) 264-1616
The University of Texas at Austin
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