How do these two principals connect to create an electric train? The key is that the
magnets are Neodymium. Neodymium magnets are man made magnets made up of a
combination of iron, boron, and neodymium (these are all located on the periodic table of
elements). These three materials are melted, combined, and then passed through a very strong
electromagnetic field to magnetise them1. This combination of conducting materials allows
Neodymium magnets to conduct electricity. Most other magnets, such as ceramic magnets, are
non-conducting. Ceramic magnets are also man made, made up of a combination of powders
like iron oxide and strontium carbonite2. Based on the materials that make them up, ceramic
magnets do not conduct electricity. Thus, when the neodymium magnets are attached to either
end of the battery and resting on the uninsulated copper wire, a local circuit is made along the
length of the battery. The circuit is made from the positive terminal of the battery, into the
magnets, through the copper wire of the solenoid and back into the magnets on the negative
terminal of the battery. This local circuit provides the current to create the magnetic field within
the solenoid. Next, the geometry of the battery is such that the magnets are on either end of the
battery. This causes the magnetic poles of the magnets attached to the battery to
simultaneously be pushed in and out of the local circuit (depending on which magnet you’re
looking at). This force causes the battery train to move. However, as the train moves it creates a
new localized circuit that perpetuates the motion. Note: The magnets must be oriented such that
the same pole is facing each other. This allows the forces to be in the same direction and to
combine; otherwise, the forces will cancel out and the train will not move. If both magnets flip to
have the other dipole facing out, the force will reverse direction as shown in figure 5.