Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

For my 7th grade science fair project, I want to make a model of the solar system. To simplify it, I will probably only include the earth. I want it to float in the air as it orbits the sun, with no wires. I think a maglev system would work. I would put a magnet track below a thin board, which would be in the plane of the eath's orbit. So the earth would float just above the board.

What are some good websites that would give me ideas? I've searched the net, but still can't figure out how to propel the earth. Also, I need to use a sphere, but all examples use a train. Can I make a sphere work? Ideas? Thanks.

Dear ckissick,

Here is a link for a magnetic floating product: http://www.amazon.com/Ginsberg-Scientif ... 317&sr=8-5

I'm not sure that this will definitely work. You should contact the manufacturer, but probably if it were to work you would need to make the model of the earth really light weight (ex. made of paper).

If you had enough power, you could probably made a strong enough electromagnet to make the system work. You can use the system given on this link: http://www.ehow.com/how_4450894_make-fl ... agnet.html , but just apply an electric current to the magnet that would be under your board. Here is a link about how to make electromagnets: http://education.jlab.org/qa/electromagnet.html

Remember, that working with electricity can be dangerous, so use caution while working with it and maybe ask someone who knows about working with electricity.

good luck,
scienceexpert123

Wouldn't that be more like a demonstration or model? Try a test question maybe. Like there are lots of good ones on sciencebuddies.