- #1
S = k log w
- 65
- 0
Why is a superconductor a diamagnet?
Why is a superconductor a diamagnet?
- Context: Undergrad
- Thread starter S = k log w
- Start date
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- Superconductor
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Discussion Overview
The discussion centers on the nature of superconductors as diamagnetic materials, exploring the mechanisms behind their magnetic properties and raising questions about their characteristics and potential applications.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Debate/contested
- Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- One participant explains that in the superconducting state, magnetic flux is expelled due to screening currents on the surface, likening this behavior to typical diamagnetic materials.
- Another participant questions the relationship between superconductivity and light, suggesting that if superconductors become "lighter" when conducting, they could have implications for space travel.
- Further questions are raised about the appearance of superconductors, specifically regarding their color and whether any superconductors can reflect all light to maintain temperature.
- A participant points out that not all superconductors exhibit diamagnetism, referencing the existence of ferromagnetic superconductors as a recent discovery.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the properties of superconductors, particularly regarding their diamagnetism and appearance. There is no consensus on the questions raised about superconductors reflecting light or their implications for materials in space travel.
Contextual Notes
The discussion includes theoretical considerations and assumptions about superconductors that remain unresolved, particularly regarding the nature of their magnetic properties and the implications of recent discoveries.
- #2
futz
- 78
- 0
Once in the superconducting state, all magnetic flux is expelled from the interior of the material. This is a result of screening currents on the surface which counteract the external field. This is similar to what happens in typical diamagnetic materials.
- #3
QuantumNet
Warning: the following content is theoreticall
If G = 1/(8[tex]\pi\[/tex]caverage), then a superconductor should be a medium in which lightspeed is the speed of light in vacuum (If a superconductor really gets lighter when it conducts than an ordinary conductor gets as Spacetravel101 claims.)
If it's true at all.
If its true, superconducting plastics should be very good materials for spaceships etc.
Maybe the even more interesting questions are:
"Why is a superconductor so black?"
Or
"Is there superconductors that reflects all light and thereby can keep it's temperature?"
Best wishes
Last edited by a moderator:
- #4
neutroncount
Hmmm...maybe you should check out nobium or titanium or tin or zinc or about any of the other metals that are superconducting. They don't look black to me. You're just talking about ceramic superconductors.
- #5
Creator
- 566
- 6
Believe it or not, not all superconductors are diamagnetic!
Recent discovery:
Ferromagnetic superconductors !
See: http://physicsweb.org/article/world/15/1/9
Yours truly,
Creator
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