Purpose: To demonstrate magnetic levitation in the vicinity of a superconductor, and other aspects of superconductivity.

Superconductivity demonstration kit consisting of 1" superconductor, two small rare-earth magnets, tweezers, and instruction manual; close-up camera; liquid nitrogen. The system is set up so that the camera can show the system edge on, and the students can view the magnet float above the superconductor once it is cooled sufficiently with liquid nitrogen.

Levitate the magnet above the superconductor by pouring liquid nitrogen over the superconductor to cool it below the critical temperature. The image of the e floating magnet can be seen by a large class. In addition to discussing the physics of the levitation process, use the opportunity to review lenses and to discuss why the image is inverted.

Several aspects of superconductivity can be demonstrated as suggested in the instruction manual that accompanies the superconductivity demonstration kit.

References:

Manual: None