Year 13 students are learning about eddy currents as part of electricity and electromagnetism. In order to see the effect of eddy currents, students completed an experiment where they had to drop a magnet and a piece of zinc into a copper tube and compare the time it took each to reach the end of the tube. The magnet takes a longer time because as it drops, it sets off eddy currents (circular electrical currents) in the copper pipe and these currents result in a magnetic force pushing the magnet upwards (like a 'levitating' force) and slowing its fall down. 

The same principle is used in maglev trains that use that force to 'levitate' above the rails and thus reduce friction, allowing them to reach very high speeds.