Do It Yourself: The Projects: Maglev Train
Research
 Maglev Trains are high-speed trains that use electromagnets to float only inches above the track. Maglev is short for Magnetic levitation, which uses basic principles of magnets to replace the old steel wheels and track.
The basic principle behind electromagnets is that opposite poles attract and like poles repel. This is true in all magnets, but an electromagnet pull is temporary. By simply turning on and switching off these electric magnets, you can push repel) or pull (attract) the train down the track.
In order for these trains to work, there are three main components needed. First, you need a track lined with electromagnets. Next, you need a train with large magnets attracted underneath. Finally you will need a large electrical source.
The difference between a Maglev Train and a conventional train is that Maglev Trains will not have an engine to propel them. They will use the pull of the magnets to move them forward and stop them. Because there are no moving parts and nothing touching the ground, maglevs have little friction from those conventional sources but they do have to contend with a considerable amount of air friction.
Maglev Trains will start out on wheels that will be retracted once the train gets up to speed. They will float 1 to 10 centimeters off the ground. The trains will reach top speeds over 500 kilometers per hour, or just over 300 miles per hour.
There are two countries that are currently working on Maglev Trains. Germany and Japan are testing prototypes, each with distinct differences. Both trains will reach speeds over 300 miles per hour and may debut as soon as the year 2005.
Maglev Trains are being produced to reduce pollution and deliver passengers to their destinations at a faster pace than conventional transportation. Maglev Trains have no motors. They will not use fossil fuels, which produce pollution that is harmful to the environment.
Maglev Trains convert electric energy to kinetic energy by pushing and pulling electromagnets against each other. This is an extremely efficient way to create motion without losing a lot of energy.
Despite American interest in Maglev Trains, the cost to build a Maglev Train has prohibited much development. The estimated cost ranges from 10 to 30 million dollars for each mile of track, not including the train or stations. However, with the development of new technology in electromagnets, a low costing Maglev Train may be on the horizon of the future.
Project Description
 Our model uses standard magnets to represent the ability to repel like and electromagnet would. The two like poles each push each other away making the train float in the air. The same principle is used to move the train forward. We made our model by constructing a track of magnets and a train that had magnets with like poles to the track on the bottom of the train. When the train was put to the track, the train floated and was easily moved over the track. It worked!!!
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