Here is Why Magnetic Spheres Spin Fast Next to Each Other!

After hearing briefly about magnetic spheres spinning next to each other, I became very curious about the process and wanted to know more about it. So, I did all of the research to find out why magnetic spheres spin fast next to each other.

Why do magnetic spheres spin fast next to each other? Magnet spheres spin fast next to each other due to the magnetic fields that they each give off. Since opposites attract in magnetism, the opposite poles will make them move closer together, while the same poles will repel them away.

Since spheres have around and smooth surface all around, they are able to rotate and orient themselves according to the reactions they are experiencing from the strength of the poles at any given time.

Rotating magnetic spheres is a phenomenon that you are probably aware of, but most people never question the thought of why this happens when they come in contact with each other. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about spinning magnetic spheres and the events that cause them to do so.

Why Do Magnetic Spheres Spin Fast Next To Each Other?

If you have ever seen two magnetic spheres sitting next to each other on a surface and rotating all on their own, you might not have realized why they were doing it. While this is an entertaining science experiment to play with, we will be discussing in his article why magnetic spheres spin so fast next to each other.

To get started, the list down below will give you a brief idea of all the reasons why magnetic spheres spin fast next to each other when they come in contact.

Why Magnetic Spheres Spin Fast Next To Each Other:

Magnetic properties align with each other
Opposite poles attract
Same poles repel
Causes spinning motion when poles come in contact
Orient themselves accordingly

The main event that goes on when magnetic spheres are placed next to each other and begin to rotate on their own is the alignment of their magnetic properties.

In the world of magnetism, there is a concept known as polarity, that determines that “poles” of each magnet. Every magnet has a North and the South Pole, which is the direction where their magnetic field is facing.

When it comes to polarity and poles with magnets, opposites attract. In other words, the South Pole of one magnet will be attracted to the North Pole of another magnet, which is what will make them move toward each other and even stick together.

So, if opposite poles make magnets attracted to each other, meaning that they will stick together, what does this have to do with magnetic spheres spinning?

To be more specific, the concept of opposites attracting in magnetism also means that the same poles do not attract. In fact, the same poles of two magnets will actually repel each other.

Therefore, if you ever try to pull the North Pole of a magnet toward the North Pole of another magnet, you will have a very hard time pushing them together and getting the two surfaces to touch.

This is due to the fact that each of their magnetic fields is actively pushing against each other. Depending on the strength of each magnetic force that is being exerted by the magnets, you might experience some surprising reactions.

For instance, if you placed two flat magnets next to each other on a flat surface such as a table, with the North poles closest to each other as discussed, the magnets might throw themselves in the opposite direction of each other, sliding toward the edges of the table.

Now, to connect these concepts back to the spherical magnets that spin when they come in contact with each other, we will establish that each spherical magnet, just like any other type of magnet, will have its own North and South Pole within itself.

If the two spherical magnets are sitting next to each other on a flat surface, without being held in place at all, they will naturally begin to react to one another.

Try to imagine the two magnets turning on their spherical axes toward each other due to their opposite poles attracting, but then quickly being repelled from each other when the same poles happen to meet up in the rotation.

Since spherical magnets have around and smooth bottom, just like the shape of a globe, they will be able to easily spin themselves around as they are reacting to the magnetic fields being given off by their opposite counterpart.

With each of these magnetic spheres orienting themselves accordingly, they will continue to move each other around with their magnetic force unless they are physically stopped.

Spinning Magnetic Spheres - Try It Yourself!

Now that you’ve learned almost everything you wanted to know about why magnetic spheres are able to spin and rotate on their own when they come in contact with each other, you might be wanting to see how this works with your own eyes.

Instead of simply placing the magnets near each other on top of a table, you can try a different experiment that will show you first hand how these magnets can really control each other.

Rotating magnetic spheres are a very easy thing to set up and watch, and the reward is just as entertaining as you are probably thinking. With just a few materials, you will be able to watch these spheres rotate in seconds.

Materials Needed:

2 sphere magnets
Flat tabletop surface

The size of the spherical magnets that you find or purchase for this project is up to you, but keep in mind that as the magnets get smaller, so does their magnetic force.

So, if you are looking for extremely fast rotations, you might want to go with a bigger set of sphere magnets. An ideal size to look for would be K-10-C magnets if you can find them.

How To Rotate Spherical Magnets:

Place one sphere on top of the table
Place the other sphere on the bottom of the table directly underneath it
Keep your hand on the sphere below, and move it around
Watch the magnet on the table top rotate with it

To begin, you will place one of the magnetic spheres on top of the table by itself. The remaining magnetic sphere will be stuck to the bottom of the table. When it is placed directly underneath the one on top, you will find that the magnets will stick together between the table without using your hands, as long as they are big enough.

Getting the magnets to rotate is as simple as keeping your hand on the sphere on the bottom of the table and rotating it around as you please.

Upon watching the magnet that is on top of the table, you will notice that it will move along with the magnet on the bottom that you have control of.

As you can see, the magnetic fields of two spherical magnets are very strong and have an influence on each other. Whether you prefer to watch two magnets spin each other around on a tabletop or control them yourself in this quick and easy science project, there is no doubt that these small objects pack a punch.