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The Physics of Magic: Harry Potter's Flying Broomstick




The famous Harry Potter fantasy saga was conceived by the English writer J.K. Rowling who, since 1997, has published seven novels, leaving a huge footprint in modern literature and cinematography. Each novel, coupled with the related film, describes the deeds of Little Whinging's wizard in the fight against the Dark Lord: Voldemort.

Harry, like any other student, is engaged in extracurricular activities to say the least singular. In fact, he manages to pass the selections for the Gryffindor Quidditch team and proves himself a champion as the team seeker. The seeker, on top of his flying broomstick, has the task of catching the flying Golden Snitch so as to decree the victory of his team.
Harry is Gryffindor's seeker.

We try to explain how, in our Universe, the broomstick could realistically rise from the ground, contrasting Earth's gravity.

Magnetic levitation is one way we can describe this phenomenon. This technique exploits two types of materials: a ferromagnetic and a diamagnetic one. To be able to lift the broomstick, a sheet of ferromagnetic material must be placed on the ground. A ferromagnet, for simplicity, is a material whose magnetization can be altered by an external magnetic field. On the other hand, the broomstick, manufactured in such a way as to have a nucleus of diamagnetic material, must be placed above the ferromagnetic sheet.

It is known that diamagnetic materials tend to decrease the number of magnetic field lines within their volume by creating a magnetic field opposite to the external one (supplied by the ferromagnet, in this case). As a result, a repulsive magnetic force is produced between the sheet and the broomstick. Therefore, the latter is pushed upwards against gravity.

Levitating train in Japan.

This magnetic magic is actually used in real life! Magnetic levitation is used in some high-speed sections of Japanese railways. In conclusion, Harry will be forced to exploit all of his skills, including his ability to fly, to face the huge and dreaded army that Voldemort is rallying.
   
















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