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https://www.iflscience.com/physics/what-happens-when-you-drop-magnet-through-copper-tube
We're probably all familiar with this classic, right? The old "magnet down a copper tube" demonstration. Very cool and intuitive way to show the back and forth interaction of electrical and magnetic fields.
But let's change one thing and see what happens. What if the copper was in the form of a sphere instead? A hollow sphere with the magnet inside. (never mind how you would actually CONSTRUCT such a thing, just assume we figured out a way)
Would the magnet be forever suspended dead center inside the sphere? Would it eventually settle to a motionless state, or would it constantly be oscillating about the spheres' center point (seeking center / overshooting / seeking again)? Or would it simply fall to the bottom?
What do you think? To make it interesting, the most plausible and/or entertaining answer (as decided solely by me) will get a free lunch from the onsite vendor of your choice at LDRS. Of course you have to attend LDRS to win this awesome prize, but even if you're not going I'd love to hear what you think.
Let's have fun, and remember, show your work! :wink:
We're probably all familiar with this classic, right? The old "magnet down a copper tube" demonstration. Very cool and intuitive way to show the back and forth interaction of electrical and magnetic fields.
But let's change one thing and see what happens. What if the copper was in the form of a sphere instead? A hollow sphere with the magnet inside. (never mind how you would actually CONSTRUCT such a thing, just assume we figured out a way)
Would the magnet be forever suspended dead center inside the sphere? Would it eventually settle to a motionless state, or would it constantly be oscillating about the spheres' center point (seeking center / overshooting / seeking again)? Or would it simply fall to the bottom?
What do you think? To make it interesting, the most plausible and/or entertaining answer (as decided solely by me) will get a free lunch from the onsite vendor of your choice at LDRS. Of course you have to attend LDRS to win this awesome prize, but even if you're not going I'd love to hear what you think.
Let's have fun, and remember, show your work! :wink:
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