Electricity and Magnetism > Magnetic Materials > Diamagnetism
 DCS# 5H20.24
LEVITATION AND SUSPENSION OF A SUPERCONDUCTOR ON A MAGNETIC TRACK

APPARATUS
4 cm x 4 cm enhanced flux-pinning YBCO pellet
 202-20-B2
magnet track
 202-13-A1
liquid nitrogen Science Center
dewar or styrofoam cup
 214-01-C6

DESCRIPTION
Place the cooled YBCO pellet on the track and it will levitate above the track.  Tilt the track or tap the superconductor so it travels along the track.  The enhanced flux-pinning superconductor can also be suspended below the inverted track.



The magnets along the center of the track have their south poles facing up.  Those along the outside, and the two at the end, have their north poles facing up.  The magnetic field gradient keeps the superconductor on the track.

NOTES

Use caution when handling the strong magnets.

It takes several minutes to cool the insulated YBCO pellet.  Once cooled, push it against the track so the magnetic field becomes pinned or else cool it on top of the track with a spacer between it and the track.

The superconductors are sensitive to moisture and should be dried immediately after use and stored with silica gel packets.

The pyrolytic graphite also travels along the track.

REFERENCE
Am. J. Phys. 77 847 (2009)