Magnetic Levitation as a Reliable Means to Determine the Density of Small Size Materials

This study explains a magnetic levitation system to measure the material density with high accuracy. The main components of the magnetic levitation system are the paramagnetic solution, the two permanent magnets, and the digital camera. When the sample is submerged in a paramagnetic solution, it can be suspended at an equilibrium position between the two similar magnets with like poles facing each other. A 3D model is explained to facilitate the measuring process. The COMSOL simulation is performed to find suitable distance between the two magnets for measuring the material density up to 1.2 g/cm³. The magnetic levitation system is examined and verified using standard-density glass beads. Then, various samples (powder or solid) with different densities are tested. According to the obtained results, the magnetic levitation system can be used to measure and determine the material density with the maximum deviation of ±0.0003 g/cm³.