Investigatory project

Investigating Diamagnetism’s Effect on Levitation

Using Various Material

BY
DEEPAK.C
XII-D
Introduction:
Diamagnetism is a property of a material that produces a magnetic
field in the opposite direction of an applied magnetic field. When a
diamagnetic material is placed in a magnetic field, it will experience
a force that opposes the magnetic field's direction. This effect has
been used in various technologies, including magnetic levitation,
where a diamagnetic material can be made to float in a magnetic
field.

This project aims to investigate the influence of diamagnetism on

levitation using different materials like aluminum foil, paper,
plastic, graphite, and no substance.

Theory:
In this experiment, a neodymium magnet is used to create a
magnetic field. Each material is placed on top of the magnet, and
the distance between the magnet and the material that levitates is
measured. The experiment aims to determine whether diamagnetism
affects levitation and which materials exhibit this effect the most.

Aluminum foil, paper, plastic, and graphite are chosen for this
experiment because they all exhibit some degree of diamagnetic
behavior. However, the strength of their diamagnetic properties can
vary depending on various factors, such as their composition and
structure. Therefore, the experiment allows for a comparison of the
diamagnetic properties of different materials.

The data collected from the experiment can be used to draw

conclusions about the influence of diamagnetism on levitation and
which materials exhibit this effect the most. The results can be
explained by the magnetic field's interaction with the diamagnetic
properties of each material, which results in a levitation force that
opposes the magnetic field's direction.

Neodymium magnet:
Neodymium magnets are a type of rare-earth magnet that are known
for their strength and versatility. They are made of an alloy of
neodymium, iron, and boron and have a tetragonal crystal structure.
Neodymium magnets are the strongest type of permanent magnet
commercially available and have a high resistance to
demagnetization. They are used in a variety of applications,
including electric motors, generators, magnetic separators, and
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines. Due to their strength,
neodymium magnets are also commonly used in magnetic levitation
experiments, where they can generate high magnetic forces that
cause diamagnetic materials to levitate against gravity. Neodymium
magnets are a type of rare-earth magnet that are known for their
strength and versatility. They are made of an alloy of neodymium,
iron, and boron and have a tetragonal crystal structure. Neodymium
magnets are the strongest type of permanent magnet commercially
available and have a high resistance to demagnetization. They are
used in a variety of applications, including electric motors,
generators, magnetic separators, and magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI) machines. Due to their strength, neodymium magnets are
also commonly used in magnetic levitation experiments, where they
can generate high magnetic forces that cause diamagnetic materials
to levitate against gravity.

Materials and Equipments required:

 Neodymium magnet
 Aluminum foil
 Paper
 Plastic
 Graphite
 Weighing scale
 Ruler
 Scissors
 Adhesive tape
Procedure:
 Cut a small piece of each material, measuring about 5 cm x 5
cm.

 Weigh each material and record its weight.

 Hold the neodymium magnet over a table.

 Place one of the materials on top of the magnet.

 Observe if the material levitates or not.

 If the material does not levitate, remove it and try the next
material.
 If the material levitates, measure the distance between the
magnet and the material using a ruler and record it.

 Repeat steps 4 to 7 for each material.

 After testing all materials, calculate the average distance

between the magnet and each material that levitated.

 Analyze the data and draw conclusions.

Result:
Material Weigh Levitation Distance
t (mm)
(mg)
Aluminum
Foil
Paper
Plastic
Graphite
No
Substance

Conclusion:
The results of the experiment will show whether diamagnetism
influences levitation and which materials exhibit this effect the
most. The experiment can be extended by using different magnets
or increasing the strength of the magnetic field to see if it affects the
results. Overall, this project can be a great way to explore the
fascinating world of magnetism and its applications.

Precautions:
 Safety first: Strong magnets like neodymium magnets can be
dangerous if mishandled. Always handle the magnets with care
and keep them away from electronic devices and pacemakers.
Also, wear protective gloves and eyewear to avoid injury.
 Keep a safe distance: Keep a safe distance between the magnet
and any metallic objects or other magnets that could interfere
with the experiment.

 Choose a stable surface: Make sure the surface you're

conducting the experiment on is stable and level. Any vibrations
or movement can affect the results.

 Consistency in measurements: Ensure that the distance between

the magnet and the levitating material is measured consistently
and accurately throughout the experiment. Any variation in
measurements can affect the results.
 Use uniform materials: Use uniform materials of the same
thickness and shape to ensure consistency in the experiment's
results.

 Avoid external magnetic fields: Avoid conducting the

experiment in areas with strong magnetic fields or electronic
devices that could interfere with the results.

 Use appropriate instrumentation: Use appropriate instruments

like a caliper, ruler, and balance to measure the distance,
thickness, and weight of materials. Ensure that the instruments
are calibrated and accurate
Source of Error:
 Measurement errors: Any errors in measuring the thickness,
distance, or weight of the materials used in the experiment
can lead to inaccuracies in the results.

 Variation in magnetic field strength: The strength of the

magnetic field generated by the neodymium magnet may
vary due to its distance from the materials or other factors,
leading to inconsistent results.

 External magnetic fields: External magnetic fields from

nearby electronic devices or other magnets can interfere
with the experiment and cause inaccurate results.

 Inconsistencies in the materials used: Any variations in the

thickness or composition of the materials used can affect the
 degree of diamagnetism exhibited and lead to inconsistent
results.

 Human error: The experiment requires careful handling of

strong magnets and delicate materials, so any errors in
handling or manipulation can lead to inaccuracies in the
results.

 Instability of the levitating materials: The levitating

materials may be sensitive to external vibrations or air
currents, which can affect their position and lead to
inconsistent results.
 By identifying and controlling these sources of error, the
experiment can be optimized to produce the most accurate
and reliable results possible.
Bibliography:
OpenAI. (2021). ChatGPT: OpenAI's Language Model.
Retrieved from https://openai.com