Connect an ideal battery across two end of a superconductor?

In summary, the conversation discusses the theoretical concept of connecting an ideal battery to a superconductor with ideal contacts and wires. It is noted that this is impossible in the real world due to limitations of both ideal batteries and superconductors. The conversation also delves into the concept of an "ideal battery" and its capabilities, as well as the limitations of superconductors. It is concluded that this scenario is impossible in theory due to various factors.
  • #1
anhnha
181
1
Hi,
What will happen if I connect an ideal battery across two ends of a superconductor?
Assume all contacts are ideal, lossless.
Is the current infinitive?
 
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  • #2
What is an ideal battery? The one whose internal resistance is zero?
 
  • #3
voko said:
What is an ideal battery? The one whose internal resistance is zero?
Yes.
 
  • #4
Mathematically, sure.
Just realize that this is impossible in the real world.
 
  • #5
Then the current will grow till the magnetic field becomes so strong that the superconductor will stop being a superconductor, or is torn apart by mechanical stress from the growing magnetic field, whichever happens first.
 
  • #6
There's also the fact that it isn't possible to have a battery with 0 resistance. Even with a resistance close to zero, the battery would discharge so fast it would explode. It is using a chemical reaction to generate electricity, after all.
 
  • #7
An ideal battery cannot be chemical almost by definition. There are in fact special-purpose generators with very low internal resistance that can generate huge currents, albeit for very brief periods of time. I guess we could imagine this "ideal battery" is such a generator.
 
  • #8
Well, then it wouldn't be a battery at all, would it?
I'm curious as to how they even generate current in a superconductor normally. Is it induced somehow? But perhaps that is a question for another thread.
 
  • #9
Hi,
For example, assuming that we have the battery ideal with no internal resistance and all contacts, wires are ideal (no resistance).
Then, theoretically, the voltage/current across/through two ends of the wire is indeterminate, right?
And this configuration even impossible in theory.
 
  • #10
No. There will always be certain effects that make this impossible. An example was given in #5.
 
  • #11
This is merely a modern version of the "unstoppable force against an immovable object" paradox.

There is no such thing as an ideal battery. There are superconductors, but even those can only support a finite current density before they cease being superconducting. Both of those realities will prevent infinite current.
 

1. What is a superconductor?

A superconductor is a material that allows for the flow of electric current with zero resistance when it is cooled below its critical temperature. This means that there is no energy lost as heat when electricity passes through a superconductor, making it an ideal material for various applications.

2. How does a superconductor work?

A superconductor works by allowing for the flow of electric current without any resistance. This is due to the phenomenon of electron pairing, where two electrons form a pair and move together through the material. This pairing reduces the energy needed for current to flow, resulting in zero resistance.

3. What would happen if an ideal battery is connected across two ends of a superconductor?

If an ideal battery is connected across two ends of a superconductor, there would be an instant flow of electric current through the superconductor without any resistance. This current would continue to flow indefinitely, as long as the battery has enough energy to power it.

4. Can any type of battery be connected across a superconductor?

Yes, any type of battery can be connected across a superconductor. However, the battery must have enough energy to power the current flow through the superconductor. Additionally, the superconductor must be cooled below its critical temperature for the battery to work effectively.

5. What are the practical applications of connecting a battery across two ends of a superconductor?

The main practical application of connecting a battery across two ends of a superconductor is the creation of a superconductor circuit. This has potential uses in high-speed computing, energy storage, and power transmission, as well as in medical and scientific research. Superconductors can also be used to create powerful magnets for applications in MRI machines and particle accelerators.

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