Video: Paperclips do magnetic dance on train
15 Jul 2009
Electromagnetism leaking through the floor of a Kobe train causes paperclips to dance. (Watch video.)
The video — shot on the Rokko Liner in Kobe, Japan — shows how paperclips on the floor react when the train accelerates and decelerates. The magnetic pull, which is produced by the electric current that drives the motors located under the floor, apparently poses no harm to the human body, though it could damage credit cards, mobile phones, or other electronic devices if left on the floor. The Kobe New Transit Company, which operates the Rokko Liner (as well as the Port Liner, which uses similar trains), says extra shielding is being installed for good measure.
[Source: Kobe Shimbun via Watashi to Tokyo]
I wonder why it isn’t affecting the camera doing the recording.
[]
Yeesh. Remind me not to ride that line if I ever get a pacemaker.
[]
Honestly, I don’t think ya’ll have that much to worry about – the camera, which is obviously an electronic device (unless you have the new phone from apple, which finally has video built into via 8mm reel-to what? Oh, nevermind), is having no problems functioning near the magnetic fields.
[]
Oddly, the most adorable paperclips I’ve ever seen…
[]
My bluetooth headphones go all haywire on some platforms in Tokyo, but return to normal the instant I step onto a train.
There’s metric tons of radiation and magnetic fields all over the place these days, this seems pretty harmless. Quite adorable though.
[]
There have been cases of multi-track magnetic tapes from recording sessions suffering drop-outs after being left on the floor of London Underground trains, even for brief periods. I think this would happen on any rail system where the motors are under the carriage. Generally the middle of a carriage is less affected than either end.
[]
There are some misunderstandings gounig around regarding this video: No: This is NOT a maglev. It is a normal comuter train, steel-wheel. Real Maglev would be much better, no such effects. :-)
[]
I wonder why it isn’t affecting the camera doing the recording.
[]