Can two opposing magnets held together by string be stable?
Can two opposing magnets held together by string be stable?
(OP)
I am wondering if I could attach two disc or ring magnets by a string in their center to cause the top one to levitate? Would it be stable or would it flip?
Here is a diagram of what I would like to do.

Thanks.
Here is a diagram of what I would like to do.

Thanks.





RE: Can two opposing magnets held together by string be stable?
However, yes, it will most likely be unstable; is that surprising?
TTFN

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RE: Can two opposing magnets held together by string be stable?
http://i.imgur.com/YbWP4VO.png
I am not sure why it is now showing for you.
Is there a way to determine the minimum width of the rings and the distance for it to be stable? Or would it always be unstable?
Has anyone tried this?
RE: Can two opposing magnets held together by string be stable?
A little bit of experimentation with two equal size magnets suggests to me that if there is the slightest asymmetry in centering the axis of the two magnets, the magnets experience a moment which tends to flip them.
Can the string provide a reaction moment to prevent flip?
Probably not if it is simply attached from a point in the center of the face of one magnet to a point on center of face of the other magnet. There may be other configurations such as multiple loops of string that might work.
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(2B)+(2B)' ?
RE: Can two opposing magnets held together by string be stable?
One could imagine something that could physically constrain the floating magnet from moving around, like using a rod, instead of a string. If the rod is just slightly undersized from the hole, then there would be little chance of floating magnet from getting out of line
TTFN

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RE: Can two opposing magnets held together by string be stable?
RE: Can two opposing magnets held together by string be stable?
Use 2 strings of equal length.
Fe (IronX32)
RE: Can two opposing magnets held together by string be stable?
Fe (IronX32)
RE: Can two opposing magnets held together by string be stable?
RE: Can two opposing magnets held together by string be stable?
I'm curious, what is this going to be for?
Fe (IronX32)
RE: Can two opposing magnets held together by string be stable?
A small fiberglass rod would be a good bet.
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