Final answer:
Maglev trains levitate due to superconductivity, where superconductors exclude magnetic fields allowing the train to float above the tracks. This technology enables higher speeds and more efficient travel. High-temperature superconductors are instrumental in this process.
Step-by-step explanation:
A maglev train floats above its rails due to superconductor technology which excludes magnetic fields. This technology allows the train to levitate by exploiting the properties of certain materials that exhibit superconductivity at low temperatures, often through the cooling with liquid nitrogen. When these materials reach superconducting states, they are capable of levitating magnets, a phenomenon that is utilized to levitate maglev trains above their tracks and enable nearly frictionless movement.
Superconductivity is not only crucial for the innovation behind maglev trains but also in the manufacturing of superconducting magnets for medical MRIs and other applications. Maglev trains represent a significant advancement in transportation technology due to their reduced friction, leading to higher speeds and more efficient travel compared to traditional rail systems.
For a visual demonstration, one might watch videos showing how a high-temperature superconductor levitates around a magnetic racetrack, clearly illustrating the principle behind magnetic levitation used in maglev trains.