Magnetic levitation uses magnetism to suspend an object in the air. It counters gravity and any other vertical acceleration or deceleration factors. Two primary forces are involved. The first lifts the object with sufficient force to counter gravity. The second ensures stability, so it cannot slide sideways to neutralize the lift.
Commercial Applications for Magnetic Levitation
Magnetic levitation enables movement of an object without friction, by virtue of gravity not pressing in down onto a surface. The concept is proving popular for public transport, since higher speeds are possible using less energy.
In theory, speeds of up to 4,000 miles per hour are possible, provided engineering – and passengers – could survive the strain. The Japanese Maglev beat all records in 2015 with 375 miles per hour. The Hyperloop may do better because sideways movement is more manageable inside a tube.
Here’s a Neat Experiment to Illustrate Magnetic Levitation
How Magnetic Levitation Could Shape the Future
Scientists are working in overdrive to exploit the possibilities. Some ideas are practical, while others are not. A Chinese architect suggested a sky island housing a city floating above the earth to relieve population pressure. This proved impractical.
However, we like the idea of wind turbines in the sky where the wind blows stronger. This could lower the cost of wind energy and even generate electricity for a million homes someday.
We wrote this post to challenge conventional thinking. Because we are stuck in a transport paradigm where we have to move from A to B along a road or rail or sidewalk, unless we queue for ages at an airport first. We don’t have a solution for intensive private drones yet.
However, a sky taxi riding in the sky on batteries and magnetic levitation, and landing in the street outside to pick us up could prove a possibility. Do you think this is a good idea: What else do YOU think we should do?
Related
Flying Wind Turbines High Up In the Sky
Preview Image: Levitation Demonstration
Video Share Link: https://youtu.be/WuR4pubm5_Q
