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How does a levitron work, how can I build one? Would it be possible to build a levitron large enought to be supported by the earths magnetic field? Would it have to be transported there or could it lift off from ground level if it had enought power to overcome the force of gravity with the electromagnetic force?
Question Date: 2007-08-10
Answer 1:

A levitron requires two magnets. It's like putting a south pole and a south pole of a magnet together. However, it is additionally stabilized by angular momentum (the spinning of the top). Otherwise, like putting a south and a south together, it's not stable and tends to fall. There's something a little more complicated involved, but that's the basic idea. The earth's magnetic field is so weak that it is highly unlikely you support any sort of other magnet in it.



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