What happens when a magnet falls through a copper pipe?

In summary, the "Magnet Through Copper Pipe" experiment is a demonstration of electromagnetic induction where a magnet is dropped through a copper pipe and the resulting motion is observed. The movement of the magnet is caused by the interaction of the magnetic field of the magnet and the electric currents induced in the copper pipe. This creates a magnetic field in the pipe that opposes the magnet's motion, causing it to slow down and eventually come to a stop. The slowing down of the magnet is due to Lenz's Law, which states that an induced current will always flow in a direction to oppose the change that caused it. Various factors such as the strength of the magnet, the thickness and length of the copper pipe, and the speed at which the magnet is
  • #1
David Neves
62
24
Check out the following video of a magnet falling through a copper pipe.

http://www.sciencealert.com/watch-what-happens-when-a-magnet-is-dropped-through-a-copper-pipe
 
Science news on Phys.org
  • #2
Talk about damping.
 

Related to What happens when a magnet falls through a copper pipe?

What is the "Magnet Through Copper Pipe" experiment?

The "Magnet Through Copper Pipe" experiment is a demonstration of electromagnetic induction where a magnet is dropped through a copper pipe and the resulting motion is observed.

How does the magnet move through the copper pipe?

The movement of the magnet is caused by the interaction of the magnetic field of the magnet and the electric currents induced in the copper pipe. This creates a magnetic field in the pipe that opposes the magnet's motion, causing it to slow down and eventually come to a stop.

Why does the magnet slow down in the copper pipe?

The slowing down of the magnet is due to the principle of Lenz's Law, which states that an induced current will always flow in a direction to oppose the change that caused it. In this case, the magnet's motion caused a change in the magnetic field, so the induced current produces a magnetic field that opposes the motion of the magnet.

What factors affect the speed of the magnet in the copper pipe?

The speed of the magnet depends on various factors such as the strength of the magnet, the thickness and length of the copper pipe, and the speed at which the magnet is dropped. Additionally, the electrical conductivity of the copper pipe and the strength of the magnet's magnetic field also play a role in determining the speed of the magnet.

What other materials can be used instead of copper pipe?

While copper pipe is commonly used in this experiment, other conductive materials like aluminum or brass can also be used. Non-metallic materials like graphite and saltwater can also produce similar results due to their electrical conductivity.

Similar threads

  • Electromagnetism
2
Replies
59
Views
4K
  • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
9
Views
449
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
5
Views
826
Replies
8
Views
895
  • Classical Physics
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
5
Views
401
  • General Engineering
Replies
14
Views
810
  • Electrical Engineering
Replies
14
Views
4K
Replies
6
Views
1K
Back
Top