What holds a cooper pair together?

In summary, a cooper pair is a pair of electrons that are bound together in a superconductive material. They are held together by the exchange of phonons and can only form in materials with specific conditions. Cooper pairs are crucial for superconductivity and can be broken apart by changing the temperature or electron density.
  • #1
Forestman
212
2
What holds a :smile::smile: pair together?
 
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  • #2
Forestman said:
What holds a :smile::smile: pair together?

In conventional superconductors, it's the phonons.

Zz.
 
  • #3
Tell me more about these phonons.
 
  • #4
Forestman said:
Tell me more about these phonons.

it can actually be found in any text about solid state physics, it is better to ask more specific questions. The more general the question is, the more general the answer will be.
 

1. What is a cooper pair?

A cooper pair is a pair of electrons that are bound together in a superconductive material. They behave like a single particle, with zero electrical resistance and the ability to carry current without any loss of energy.

2. What holds a cooper pair together?

The bond between a cooper pair is held together by the exchange of phonons, which are vibrations in the lattice of the superconducting material. These phonons cause the electrons to attract each other, allowing them to form a cooper pair.

3. Why do cooper pairs only form in certain materials?

Cooper pairs can only form in materials that have a low enough temperature and a high enough density of electrons. This is because the exchange of phonons is only possible in these conditions, allowing for the formation of the cooper pairs.

4. What is the significance of cooper pairs in superconductivity?

Cooper pairs are essential for the phenomenon of superconductivity. They are responsible for the zero electrical resistance and the ability to carry current without any energy loss that is characteristic of superconductors. Without cooper pairs, superconductivity would not be possible.

5. Can cooper pairs be broken apart?

Yes, cooper pairs can be broken apart by increasing the temperature or the density of electrons in the material. This will disrupt the exchange of phonons, causing the cooper pairs to break apart and the material to lose its superconducting properties.

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