A classroom demonstration of levitation and suspension of a superconductor over a magnetic track

The suspension and levitation of superconductors by permanent magnets is a fascinating consequence of superconductivity, and a wonderful way to generate interest in low-temperature physics and electrodynamics. We present a classroom demonstration of the levitation/suspension of a superconductor over a magnetic track that maximizes the levitation/suspension time and the separation distance between the magnetic track and superconductor. The demonstration, as described, is both inexpensive and easy to construct. © 2009 American Association of Physics Teachers