Magnets!

[Structo]

Anybody ever seen anything like this?

How does a magnet interact with non-ferrous copper?

http://look.viralnova.com/magnet-copper/

[xtian]

I have the reaction of a crow. "Ooh! Huge, shiny hunk of copper!"

[vibratoking]

Ampere's Law. Happens in every guitar amp.

[dorrisant]

Wow! Now I'm distracted by this "miracle". I know I have some copper tubing here...

[Colossal]

I can see Russia from my house!

[Structo]

I LIKE CHEESE!

Seriously, how is this reacting to the copper?

My suspicion is that the copper cylinder is actually a coil in disguise.

Any other theories?

[Colossal]

I LIKE CHEESE!

Seriously, how is this reacting to the copper?

My suspicion is that the copper cylinder is actually a coil in disguise.

Any other theories?

Copper and other metals are paramagnetic! No trickery.

[eniam rognab]

Derek of Veritasium does a fantastic explanation here:
https://youtu.be/NqdOyxJZj0U

[LeeMo]

I tried this with a piece of leftover 1/2 " copper and a couple of Neo mags from a worn out leather phone case. ( I never throw ANYTHING away)
It really does work. I've showed it to multiple under-impressed people.Now I wait until I'm alone and do it over and over. Shiney!!!

[vibratoking]

I LIKE CHEESE!

Seriously, how is this reacting to the copper?

My suspicion is that the copper cylinder is actually a coil in disguise.

Any other theories?

Tom, it's Ampere's law. The magnetic field, from the magnet, causes a current to flow in the copper. In turn, the current in the copper causes a secondary magnetic field of opposite polarity to that of the magnet. There are losses which is why the magnet is not fully suspended. Electrodynamics at work. This is a basic principle that is put to use in MANY applications.

[Structo]

Yeah, you're right, lines of force and all that.
I should have thought of that, doh.

You think a chunk of copper pipe would work?

I do need to impress people.