Scientists have not ruled out the possibility of lifting objects into the air using sound.

In the world of magic, levitation looks like a simple spell. In movies and TV series, characters lift objects with a wave of their hand or a successful use of force. However, in the real world, levitation is also possible, but using scientific methods such as sound waves, magnets, and electricity. This was reported by the journal ScienceNews.

Acoustic levitation uses vibrations to lift objects. The devices create ultrasonic waves that humans cannot hear. The waves, in turn, create areas of high and low intensity in the air that repel or hold objects in relatively calm areas. However, such devices can only lift very light objects, such as plastic balls.

Larger objects require lower sound frequencies and longer wavelengths. For example, to levitate a person, sound waves with a frequency of about 275 Hz and a wavelength of about 1.25 m are needed. This is equivalent to the sounds of a bass guitar, but to raise a person, the sound level must be extremely high. It is specified that this will require tremendous energy.

Magnets allow you to lift much heavier objects, such as trains on magnetic pads. Magnetic fields can also be used to levitate objects that are not specifically attached to magnets, but this requires very strong fields. In 1997, scientists were able to levitate a frog using a magnetic field of 16 tesla, which is about 10 times stronger than magnets used in landfills to lift cars.

The levitation method used by spiders works differently. They get an electric charge when they spin long strings of beads. This allows them to rise in the Earth's electric field, towering several kilometers.

Although real levitation can't replicate the superpowers from the movies, it can find practical applications. For example, acoustic levitation can be used to process samples in laboratories without contaminating them, and magnetic levitation can be used to improve motor performance and prevent wear on their parts. Scientists continue to explore new ways to use levitation in various fields, while avoiding the devastating consequences.

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