Make
a MagLev Train
Materials
needed:
posterboard, foamboard, or cardboard, 20-30 square or rectangular magnets, masking
tape
1.
To construct the MagLev track, lay magnets down on masking tape in a row. Be
sure that all the magnets have the same pole (either north or south) facing
upward. To check this run a magnet over the row of taped magnets. It should
either be attracted to OR repelled by ALL of the magnets. Now tape this row
of magnets to the edge of the posterboard.
2. Make
a second row of magnets that have the same pole facing up as the first row.
Again check this by running a magnet over the row to see if it is either attracted
to OR repelled by ALL of the magnets. Tape this row of magnets to the posterboard
parallel to the first and spaced apart by a distance approximately the width
of one of the magnets.
3.
Cut the posterboard along the outer edge of the second row of magnets. Now cut
two pieces of posterboard the same length as the track. Attach the two pieces
perpendicular to the track. These act as guide walls.
4.
Now to construct the MagLev train, cut a rectangular piece of posterboard that
just fits inside the track's guide walls. Attach four magnets to the corners
of the rectangular piece. Be sure that all four of these magnets are placed
so that they are repelled by the magnets on the track. Place the train gently
above the track inside its guide walls and watch it levitate!
http://education.magnet.fsu.edu/student/inter/maglev.html