How does the magnetic floating globe work?
Sophia Koch
Updated on May 06, 2026
.
In this regard, can magnets make things float?
Magnetism is a strange force. It is able to push and pull objects without touching them. Using the correct number and placement of magnets, almost any object can be induced to float, seemingly weightless above the ground.
Subsequently, question is, how do magnetic levitation toys work? Spin Stabilized Magnetic Levitation Though magnets can repel one another, you can't make one magnet just float in the air above another magnet. The floating magnet tends to fall to the side, or flip around to attract to the base magnet. To make levitation work, you need to add stability.
Consequently, what is magnetic levitation and how does it work?
Magnetic levitation (maglev) or magnetic suspension is a method by which an object is suspended with no support other than magnetic fields. Magnetic force is used to counteract the effects of the gravitational acceleration and any other accelerations.
How does a floating globe work?
The small globe has a magnet in it and the top of the device is an electromagnet. The electromagnet is pulling up on the magnet in the globe just enough to balance the earth's gravity pulling down on it. The two forces are equal and opposite so the globe floats in mid-air! (Until the table gets bumped.)
Related Question AnswersCan magnets float air?
Sadly, you can't make a magnet magically float in the air above another magnet. At least, that's true if you're using just a pair of strong magnets.How do you fix a levitating globe?
- Undo the top part of the levitating globe assembly with your screwdriver. This is where the magnet is located.
- Identify the kind of magnet being used in your levitating globe.
- Remove the magnet and place it up against something metal.
- Twist open your globe and clean the insides of both halves of the globe.