When objects float in the air when placed above a magnet, the force responsible for this phenomenon is known as magnetic levitation or magnetic suspension. Magnetic levitation occurs due to a combination of magnetic forces and the principles of electromagnetic induction.
When a magnet is brought close to a conductive material, such as a metal, it induces an electric current within the material. This induced current generates its own magnetic field, which interacts with the magnetic field of the magnet. The resulting interaction produces a repulsive force between the two magnetic fields, causing the object to float or be suspended in mid-air.
This effect is commonly observed in experiments where strong magnets are used in conjunction with conductive materials such as aluminum or copper. The repulsive force between the magnetic fields counters the force of gravity acting on the object, leading to its levitation. By carefully adjusting the strength and position of the magnet, objects can be stably suspended in the air above the magnet. This principle is employed in various applications, including magnetic levitation trains (maglev trains) and levitating displays.