Graphite Levitation Kit (Smart Material)

Graphite Levitation Kit (Smart Material)

This kit contains a small sample of pyrolytic graphite, 16 small rare earth magnets, a steel base and a pair of tweezers. When the magnets are arranged in a matrix on the base plate, the graphite will levitate just above their surface.

This is a spectacular demonstration of diamagnetic behavior involving repulsion of the graphite by both the N and S poles of the magnets.
Reasons to Love
Cross applications in Science and Design Technology classes
Learning Outcomes
Key Stage 3 Chemistry – Materials: Properties of ceramics, polymers and composites (qualitative)
Key Stage 3 Physics: Magnetism: Magnetic poles, attraction and repulsion.
Key Stage 4 Chemistry – Structure, Bonding and the Properties of Matter: Smart Materials and Their Properties.  Bulk properties of materials related to bonding and intermolecular forces.
Key Stage 4 Physics – Magnetism: Magnetism and Electromagnetism. Exploring the magnetic fields of permanent and induced magnets, and the Earth’s magnetic field, using a compass.
Top Tips
Can be used to demonstrate Smart Materials and Magnetism