- #1
Forestman
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Could someone give me a good explanation as to how superconductivity works. Feel free to be very technical.
Thanks
Thanks
Explanation as to how superconductivity works
- Thread starter Forestman
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In summary, superconductivity is the phenomenon in which certain materials exhibit zero resistance when cooled below a critical temperature. This is described by BCS theory, which is based on statistical field theory and explains the behavior of conventional superconductors.
- #2
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Forestman said:Could someone give me a good explanation as to how superconductivity works. Feel free to be very technical.
Thanks
This is VERY vague. We can't teach you something that covers whole books.
In this age of web information, have you tried looking this up? What you have gathered on your own, and what did specific items did you not understand? This is a simple, more direct way for most of us to answer, rather than wanting a broad lesson.
Zz.
- #3
CompuChip
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
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A good starting point would be to learn about BCS (Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer) theory, which explains superconductivity in "conventional" (critical temperature approximately Tc < 30 K) superconductors such as mercury (originally used by Kamerlingh Onnes in the discovery of superconductivity) and NbTi alloys (commonly used in applications).
The general field in which BCS-theory works is statistical field theory.
- #4
Forestman
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Thanks CompuChip, I will be sure to look into what you have said.
Related to Explanation as to how superconductivity works
1. What is superconductivity?
Superconductivity is a phenomenon in which certain materials can conduct electricity with zero resistance when cooled below a certain temperature, known as the critical temperature. This means that electrons can flow through the material without any loss of energy, making it highly efficient for use in electrical devices.
2. How does superconductivity work?
Superconductivity works by allowing electrons to pair up and move through the material without any resistance. This is made possible by the formation of a "Cooper pair," where two electrons with opposite spins are attracted to each other by vibrations in the material's crystal lattice. This pairing allows for the flow of electrons without collisions, which is what causes resistance in traditional conductors.
3. What are some common applications of superconductivity?
Superconductivity has many practical applications, including magnetic levitation trains, MRI machines, particle accelerators, and high-speed electronic devices. It is also being studied for use in energy storage and transmission, as well as in quantum computing.
4. What are the challenges in achieving superconductivity?
One of the main challenges in achieving superconductivity is finding materials that can maintain their superconducting properties at higher temperatures. Currently, most superconductors require extremely low temperatures, which limits their practical applications. Additionally, producing and maintaining these low temperatures can be costly and energy-intensive.
5. How is superconductivity being researched and developed?
Scientists are actively researching and developing new materials and techniques to achieve superconductivity at higher temperatures. This includes exploring different types of superconductors, such as cuprates and iron-based compounds, and using techniques like doping and applying pressure to increase critical temperatures. Additionally, advancements in nanotechnology are allowing for the creation of new materials with unique superconducting properties.
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