Superconductors and Conductors: Connections and Possibilities

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the connection of superconductors to normal conductors within electric circuits, exploring potential issues and implications of such connections. Participants inquire about the behavior of current in superconductors and the feasibility of creating power sources with superconductors.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how to connect a superconductor to a normal conductor in a circuit and whether amplifiers are needed to avoid problems.
  • Another participant asserts that superconductors are essentially conductors with very low resistance.
  • A participant seeks clarification on whether there are special problems, such as space charges or overheating, at the connections between superconductors and normal conductors.
  • One participant references a previous discussion about internal resistance in voltage sources and mentions a switch with slight resistance related to the topic.
  • A later post expresses a desire for more information on actual circuits and questions the possibility of creating a power source with no internal resistance using superconductors.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding and curiosity about the connections between superconductors and normal conductors, with no consensus reached on the specific challenges or solutions involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the need for more detailed information and resources, indicating potential gaps in understanding regarding circuit design involving superconductors.

drag
Science Advisor
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Greetings !

I was wondering how (or if) a superconducor can be
connected to a "normal" conductor in an electric
circuit ? I guess the conductor-superconductor connection
is easy, but how do you avoid problems at the reverse
connection - do you need some amplifier or something.

Also, what would happen if the current was generated in the
superconductor, and no enitial voltage is applied to the conductor ?

Thanks ! :smile:
 
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The superconductor is just another conductor, it just happens to have very low resistance.
 
So there're no special problems - space charges/overheating
in the connections (beyond the standard) ?

Thanks.
 
drag,
The last site that you linked for me had a little discussion about that. Maybe you're looking for more detail. It spoke of the internal resistance of the voltage source and a switch that could be closed that would have a slight resistance. I can't remember what that link was off the top of my head.

Here it is:
http://www.americanmagnetics.com/tutorial/basics.html
 
Last edited:
Yeah, thanks, I read that, I just wanted a bit more info -
if anyone got some good links or something on actual circuits.

Also, I should've said that first too - I was wondering if it's
possible to make a power source with no internal
resistance by using a superconductor ?

Thanks. :smile:
 
Last edited:

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