Magnetic Levitation
Pencil Experiment
Naman Somani
Class 5th Sagar
Yamuna House
1. Project Title:
Magnetic Levitation Pencil Experiment
2. Objective:
To demonstrate the principle of magnetic levitation
(maglev) using simple materials by making a pencil
float in air without any physical support.
3. Introduction:
Magnetic levitation, or maglev, is a method by which
an object is suspended in the air using magnetic
forces. It works on the principle that like poles of
magnets repel each other.
This principle is used in modern technologies such as
Maglev trains, which float above the tracks and move
at very high speeds with minimal friction.
In this experiment, we will make a pencil float using
repelling magnets.
4. Materials Required:
1 long pencil or pen
4–6 ring magnets (with holes in the center, all of
same size)
1 cardboard base or stand
1 straw or plastic tube
5. Principle / Theory:
Magnets have two poles — North (N) and South (S).
When two like poles (N-N or S-S) face each other, they
repel, while unlike poles (N-S) attract.
By arranging magnets on the pencil and stand so that
like poles face each other, the repulsive force
becomes strong enough to counteract the
gravitational force, causing the pencil to levitate.
6. Procedure:
1. Take a cardboard base and fix 4 magnets.
2. Insert the pencil through the straw so that it can
move up and down freely.
3. Place two magnets on the pencil — one near the
bottom and one near the middle — both with the
same pole facing same directions.
4. Fix two magnets on the straw (or on small
supports) aligned with those on the pencil, keeping
the same poles facing upwards.
o Example: If the magnets on the pencil have
their north poles facing down, the ones on the
stand should have their north poles facing up.
5. Adjust the position of the magnets until the pencil
floats slightly above the lower magnets.
6. Observe the pencil levitating due to magnetic
repulsion.
7. Observation:
When the like poles of the magnets (e.g., North–North
or South–South) face each other, they repel strongly.
This repulsive force lifts the pencil upwards, balancing
it against gravity. The pencil appears to float in the
air without any visible support.
8. Result:
The pencil levitates in the air, proving that magnetic
levitation is possible using repulsive magnetic
forces.
This simple experiment demonstrates how maglev
trains and other magnetic devices work.
9. Applications:
Maglev Trains: High-speed trains that float above
tracks using magnetic repulsion.
Display and Toys: Floating globes and levitating
gadgets.
Medical Devices: Magnetic suspension systems
in MRI machines.
10. Conclusion:
This experiment successfully demonstrates the concept
of magnetic levitation. It shows that like magnetic
poles repel and can be used to make objects float
without any physical contact, reducing friction and
wear.
11. Precautions:
Use magnets of equal strength for better
balance.
Handle strong magnets carefully.
Ensure the pencil moves freely through the straw
without friction.
12. Fun Fact:
The world’s fastest Maglev train — Shanghai Maglev
(China) — can reach speeds of 600 km/h using this
same principle of magnetic levitation.
Good morning everyone! Today, I am going to show you a
simple but amazing experiment called Magnetic Levitation
Pencil Experiment — or Maglev Pencil for short. In this
experiment, I’ll make a pencil float in the air using magnets
— just like how maglev trains float above their tracks.
(Performs the action)
Can you guess how this lavigate? Yes, due to the
magnetic force. Magnetic forces are of two types:
attractive and repulsive. In this case, we are using the
magnetic repulsive force concept. When like poles of
magnets (North–North or South–South) face each other, they
repel each other!
Because of this repulsive force, the lower magnets push the
pencil upward. The pencil is floating in the air! It’s not
touching the base. `This is called Magnetic Levitation. The
magnetic force balances the force of gravity, allowing the
pencil to stay suspended.
This same principle is used in Maglev trains, which float
above the tracks and move at very high speeds — up to 600
km/h — without any friction!
That means no wheels, no friction, and a much smoother, faster
ride. Isn’t it amazing that a simple pencil can show the same
principle used in such advanced technology?
So, through this experiment, I demonstrated that: Like poles
of magnets repel each other. This repulsive magnetic
force can be used to lift or levitate objects. And magnetic
levitation is a real-world technology with many uses.
Thank you for watching this demonstration