In the middle of 1980’s, the ceramic superconductors were novel materials that exhibit superconductivity at temperatures larger than that of liquid nitrogen (T = 77 K). This cryogenic liquid is easier to be obtained and cheaper than liquid helium (T = 4.2 K). Thus, the possibility of applications of such materials increased and they are suited to the efforts to search clean energy sources and the growth of a sustainability society. This is possible due to the properties of the superconductors as zero resistivity and perfect diamagnetism. In this work we will present the arrangement of a superconducting levitation experiment that can be used as a motivation for high school students and also to encourage them to choose a scientific career.
maglev; superconductors; levitation; magnetic rail