How Do Mag Lev Trains Work?

The basic concept of how a magnetic train works is very simple. The train has magnets all along the underbody. Each magnet is faced the exact same way, with the poles all facing the same direction. As you know from playing with magnets, opposites attract and alike kinds always want to push away. The track which the train rides on is lined with these magnets, with alike poles facing the train. This creates an air cushion between the train and the track.

 

These two diagrams show the basic principal of magnetic levitation on a track. The magnets on the car, have opposite poles of those on the track. This opposite pole affect makes the train float above the track.

 



 

Forward motion of these magnetic trains, resides on the magnetic propultion of the track. The track is lined with magnets that can be switched rapidly back and forth to attract and push the train. Each magnet has an electronic swith attached to it. All the magnet switches are computer controled to accelerate or decelerate the train.

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