Rings of Current

The permanent magnet is suspended above a ring of current in this visualization. The magnet is oriented such that its north pole faces downwards, while the current in the ring flows counter-clockwise. A ring with current flowing through it generates a magnetic field that looks roughly like the field of a magnet — when the current is flowing counter-clockwise, it looks like a magnet with its north pole facing upwards. The resulting pressure in the field between the two objects causes the magnet to be repelled, feeling a force upwards that allows it to be levitated above the ring. The image shows selected fieldlines colorized and rotated about the vertical axis.


Rings of Current

 

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More visual aids for electromagnetism