Lentz's law is as work here. The moving magnet induces current in the copper pipe, the magnetic field from this current is such that it repels the dropping magnet and causes it to defy gravity. Try it with a length of aluminum conduit. The same effect will be there but because aluminum is not as good of conductor as copper the amount of current produced it less and the magnet will fall faster.
I got 29 seconds for the 1/2 x 1/2 magnet in a 5' length of 1/2" type L copper pipe(0.545", 13.83mm ID).
Don
[This message has been edited by resqcapt19 (edited 06-16-2005).]
