======Magnetic Levitation with Pyrolytic Graphite======


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**Alternative titles:** Diamagnetism of Pyrolytic Graphite
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====Summary====                   
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====Procedure====  
  - Place several small neodymium magnets (e.g., 1×1 cm) side by side to create a magnetic base.
  - Gently place a thin piece of pyrolytic graphite on top of the magnets. Observe as it levitates slightly above them due to diamagnetism.
  - Push the graphite lightly with a wooden stick. Notice that it resists being forced into the magnetic field, maintaining its hovering position.
  - For the heat conduction demonstration, hold the piece of pyrolytic graphite in your hand and press it against an ice cube.
  - Observe that the graphite cuts through the ice easily, as it rapidly conducts heat from your hand into the ice.
  - Compare this with an iron sheet pressed against ice to see how much slower it melts.



====Links==== 
Diamagnetic Levitation with Pyrolytic Graphite - $20 How-To - Kevin Patterson: 
{{youtube>TlD12QObooc?}}\\

Levitate a Piece of Graphite on Magnets - $10 Project - Forrest Trenaman: 
{{youtube>bUUua3nSJtE?}}\\

📄 Pyrolytic graphite - MEL Science: [[https://melscience.com/US-en/articles/pyrolytic-graphite/?srsltid=AfmBOooxjIRyp9DlevmnfBUOo2WYaT3bI0Q9U4PPwqvpfUJvaGbEBZhX]]\\

====Variations====
  * Arrange magnets in different orientations to see how the levitation stability changes.
  * Try different thicknesses of pyrolytic graphite to compare levitation height and stability.
  * Use a thermal camera to visualize heat transfer when the graphite melts ice.


====Safety Precautions====
  * Handle neodymium magnets carefully; they are strong and can pinch fingers or shatter if snapped together.
  * Keep magnets away from electronics, magnetic storage media, and medical implants.
  * Do not attempt to ingest or inhale graphite flakes.
  * Avoid dropping magnets on hard surfaces, as they can chip or break.
  * Wash hands after handling graphite.




====Questions to Consider====
  * Why does pyrolytic graphite levitate above magnets while most materials do not? (It is strongly diamagnetic, creating a repelling magnetic field.)
  * How does this compare to superconductors that also levitate? (Superconductors show perfect diamagnetism via the Meissner effect, while graphite shows weaker but noticeable diamagnetism.)
  * Why does graphite melt ice so quickly compared to iron? (It is an excellent thermal conductor, transferring heat from your hand efficiently into the ice.)
  * What practical applications exist for diamagnetic levitation? (Examples include magnetic levitation for frictionless bearings, stable positioning systems, and demonstrations of fundamental physics.)