Science Today - Bullet Trains

Science Today - Bullet Trains

We Know that Like poles of the magnet repel each other. Keep two Bar magnets as shown in the Figure.

What do you observe? ---------------------------------------------------

By using repulsion we can levitate a magnetic object. Let us make a toy and enjoy magnetic levitation.

Have you enjoyed with this toy? Electromagnetic train is working in the same principle. Have you heard about it?

Electromagnetic train is called as suspension train and also called as flying train. It does not require diesel or petrol. This technology uses the property of magnetic attraction and repulsion to run these super fast electromagnetic trains.

How does the electromagnetic train work?

Electromagnets are used in Electromagnetic train. Electromagnets are magnetised only when current flows through them. When the direction of current is changed the poles of the electromagnets are also changed. Like poles of the magnets which are attached at the bottom of the train and rail track repel each other. So, the train is lifted from the track up to a height of 10 cm.

We Know that we can move any magnetic object with the force of attraction or repulsion properties of magnets. This train also moves with the help of the magnets attached on the sides of track and the magnets fitted at the bottom sideway of the train. By controlling the current we can control the magnets and movement of the train.

As there are no moving parts, there is no friction. So, the train can easily attain a speed of 300 km per hour. These trains are capable of running up to 600 km/ hour. They do not make any noise. They require less energy and they are eco-friendly.

Even though, many countries have taken effort to use these trains, such trains are used for public transport only in China, Japan and South Korea. In India the possibilities of introducing these trains are under consideration.

Write the differences between a normal train and an electromagnetic train.

Normal train

1. Runs on iron rails.

2. Uses fuels like coal, diesel and electricity.

3. Makes a lot of noise due to the presence of moving parts.

4. Runs at moderate speed.

5. Leaves out fumes that spoil the eco-system.

Electromagnetic train

1. Runs above the rails without touching them.

2. Uses the attractive and repulsive forces of magnets.

3. Runs without noise as it has no moving parts.

4. Travels at high speed.

5. Eco-friendly in nature.