Posted by Darren (208.143.232.66) on May 28, 2003 at 12:36:04:
In Reply to: Magnetic Repulsion posted by Paul on May 28, 2003 at 09:15:11:
: I have a question that I need some help in answering. I would like to know if a Magnet can Repel the same amount of weight as it is rated to be able to "lift"?
: What I mean is, if a Magnet is rated to be able to lift 195 lbs. does it also repel objects up to 195 lbs. also?
Yes Paul, it should, but you have to be careful about two things... first, the distance where it exhibits that amount of repulsion, and second, magnets can only repel other magnets, so you have to deal with the second magnet's repulsion characteristics too....
If a magnet can lift 195 lbs of steel it's probably going to do so when the magnet is actually contacting the steel. A magnet of that rating probably won't lift it when it's 12 inches away from the steel... well... same goes for repulsion... put the same magnet on the floor and place a 195 lb bar of steel on top and... whoops it still attracts... need a 195 lb magnet and face the poles opposite... but then you're going to have 195 lbs of repulsive force from the floor magnet happening when the 195 lb upper magnet is just coming into contact with the floor magnet... but the upper maget is also repelling the floor magnet so it should hover slightly higher off the floor magnet, but only due to the *combined* replusiive forces.
Arg, I have a headache now... thanks alot Paul.
Darren
ps... magnets aren't the answer :-)