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Hovercars getting closer....


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http://lightyears.blogs.cnn.com/2011/10/19/looks-like-magic-quantum-levitation/?hpt=us_bn1

It looks like something out of a magic show, where the magician is able to defy gravity and float or levitate an object in midair with no apparent explanation. Check out this really cool video which is not a Vegas show, but an example of something called quantum levitation.

Magnetic levitation relies on two magnets pushing each other apart and some other force (like gravity or centripetal force) to hold the levitated object in place.

In this demo the object is locked in place within proximity of the magnet - and the magnet holds it in place on all 3 axes.

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This is demonstrating superconductor properties, which needs to be at very low temperatures ("high temperature" super conductors are those that are superconducting above -250*C). There are a lot of benefits to superconductors beyond this such as 0 resistance wires, but unfortunately the low temp and ceramic nature make it impractical at present.

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very cool. I thought they were building roller coasters like top thrill dragster based of off electromagnets. Sort of same principle but not nearly as stable as what that was.

They don't hover though. The use the magnets to accelerate (like a rail gun) and stop.

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though cool, we're still a long way away from floating around in hover cars. the energy required to keep a regular superconductor at the correct temperature would not be remotely plausible given the population of people on the road today. nor would the resources even be available to make that many vehicles with the stuff.

heck, if it was viable, a lot of things would be much better. instant-fast computers, practically free electricity, and yes. floating anythings. put your floating chandelier anywhere you dam well please.

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