The induced current in the guideway loop or sheet is opposite in direction to the current in the superconducting magnet on the vehicle, producing a magnetic levitation force. As the next vehicle magnet passes over the loop or sheet, the direction of the induced current changes in accordance with the change in magnet polarity. However, the magnetic force remains in the upwards direction, and continues to levitate the vehicle.

The frequency of the alternating magnetic flux wave is determined by the vehicle speed. At normal operating speed, the frequency is high enough that the induced currents in the guideway loops do not significantly decay due to their electrical resistance.

In the Null Flux suspension, the guideway loops are wound in a configuration that reduces their induced current to a much smaller value than is possible for the sheet or simple loop configuration. Because the induced current is much less, the resistance losses are very low, making the magnetic drag force on the vehicle very small.