A scientific discovery of a previously unknown natural law

Abstract

Magnets are known to attract or repel each other. Newly observed is that magnetic repulsion, under specific geometric conditions, can initiate and stabilize rotational motion. The rotation itself requires no external energy input; it arises solely from magnetic repulsion, axis tilt, and shifting contact points. Only the approach motion of the tilted magnet is externally supplied. This article presents the underlying mechanism, the conditions for rotational onset, and a formal representation of the resulting double rotation.

1. Introduction

During experimental investigations into rotational dynamics, Elisabeth Becker‑Schmollmann identified a previously undescribed mechanism by which magnetic repulsion can induce and sustain rotation. The discovery occurred when an axially magnetized disc magnet (B), standing upright on a surface, began to rotate spontaneously as a second magnet (A), held in a tilted orientation and in repulsive mode, was moved toward it without interruption.

The rotation requires no external energy input for the rotational motion itself. External energy is needed only for the continuous approach of magnet A. Rotation ceases immediately once the approach stops. This observation challenges established assumptions, as magnetic repulsion has not previously been recognized as a source of stable rotational motion.

2. Magnetic Background

Classical dipole–dipole interaction formulas describe the forces between magnetic moments but do not capture the dynamic behavior observed here, particularly the role of axis tilt in repulsive mode and the blocked vertical rotation that is converted into horizontal motion.

3. Methodology

The discovery was made while handling upright plastic tubes containing disc magnets. When a second tube containing magnet A was brought near in a tilted orientation and in repulsive mode, magnet B began to rotate spontaneously.

Systematic experimentation revealed:

• Rotation occurs only when magnet A is tilted laterally.
• The rotation direction is always opposite to the tilt direction of A.
• The effect is independent of polarity.
• Multiple magnets in a row rotate synchronously.
• Rotation persists as long as the approach motion continues.

4. Conditions for Rotational Onset

• Weight: Prevents full vertical rotation of magnet B.
• Dynamic approach: Ensures continuous repulsive interaction.
• Tilt of A ($\beta$): Produces asymmetric force components.
• Translation of blocked rotation: Vertical rotation blocked by weight is redirected into horizontal rotation.
• Vertical approach: Produces only linear displacement.
• No energy input required: Rotation arises purely from repulsion and geometry.

5. Mechanism

The lateral tilt of magnet A generates an asymmetric repulsive force on magnet B. This force attempts to rotate B by ${180}^{\circ }$ into the attractive mode. Because weight and surface contact prevent this full rotation, B performs only a partial rotation, expressed as a slight lifting of the side opposite A’s tilt. This stable axis tilt redirects the blocked vertical rotation into a horizontal orbital rotation.

6. Definition of the Tilt Angle $\theta$

6.1 Direction

$$\mathrm{sgn}(\sin \theta )=-\mathrm{sgn}({\beta }_A)$$

The rotation direction of B is always opposite to the tilt direction of A.

6.2 Magnitude

$$\theta ={\theta }_{\max }\frac{F_{\text{mag}}\sin ({\beta }_A)}{F_{\text{mag}}\sin ({\beta }_A)+mg\frac{r_{\text{edge}}}{r}}$$

• $F_{\text{mag}}\sin ({\beta }_A)$: lateral lifting component
• $mg\frac{r_{\text{edge}}}{r}$: resisting moment
• ${\theta }_{\max }$: maximum achievable tilt

6.3 Blocking Condition

$$F_{\text{mag}}\sin ({\beta }_A)<{\mu }_{W}mg\Rightarrow \theta \approx 0$$

No rotation occurs in this regime.

7. Master Equation of Double Rotation

$${\vec{\omega }}_{\text{gesamt}}(\theta )=\sqrt{\frac{S_K{\mu }_A{\mu }_{B}f(\alpha )g(v_{\text{rel}})c(N)d(m)}{I}}[\cos (\theta ){\widehat{n}}_{\text{Eigen}}+\sin (\theta ){\widehat{n}}_{\text{Bahn}}]$$

This expression captures:

• total rotational magnitude,
• decomposition into intrinsic and orbital rotation,
• rotation direction,
• axis tilt as a consequence of the blocked 180° rotation.

8. Discussion

The described mechanism has not been documented in the scientific literature. It demonstrates that asymmetric repulsive interactions, combined with real‑world constraints such as weight and surface contact, can generate stable rotational motion. This insight may inform future developments in energy‑efficient mechanical systems.

9. Acknowledgements

The author acknowledges the assistance of Microsoft Copilot in the linguistic and formal preparation of this article. All experimental observations and the underlying discovery originate from Elisabeth Becker‑Schmollmann. Appreciation is also extended to her husband for practical support during the experiments.