Electromagnets are used instead of wheels on some trains. The train floats a few inches above the track, pushed upward by a magnetic force produced by electromagnets. This type of train is called a maglev, meaning magnetic levitation.
A maglev train is quiet and fast. There is no noise from the wheels because no part of the train touches the track. Also, the train is not held back by friction with the track. But the maglev system uses large amounts of electricity and relies on complicated switching circuits. However, some maglev projects in progress today may help to make this type of transport more common.
However, most of the maglev trains today suffer from practical problems, such as the cost of laying and maintaining the specialized electromagnet-containing track.© 2007 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
