5G30.u2 - Diamagnetic Levitation using Pyrolytic Graphite
To demonstrate the diamagnetic levitation of Highly Oriented Pyrolytic Graphite by its repulsion of magnetic fields.
Obtain equipment for "Diamagnetic Levitation using Pyrolytic Graphite" demo.
Set up the wooden base with the magnets on it on a flat surface such as the bench or a cart. Set up a camera at a low angle to see the air gap between the graphite and magnets. Set up a back plane to increase the contrast to enable better viewing for the students. Make sure the graphite piece is flat and undamaged.
Diamagnetism is a property of materials with full electron shells. They cannot form magnetic circuits and usually repel magnetic fields. It is typically a weak property with the exception of superconductors, which graphite is not, therefore, it must be a very thin film of graphite to observe its diamagnetism and levitation on magnets.