Are Feynman's Equations on Superconductivity Valid?

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SUMMARY

Feynman's equations on superconductivity, specifically equations (21.19), (21.31), and (21.38) from "Feynman Lectures on Physics" part III, describe the velocity and acceleration of electrons in superconductors as influenced by wave functions and electromagnetic fields. These equations have been validated historically, particularly in deriving the Meissner effect, but they do not provide a complete microscopic description of superconductivity, as they primarily rely on the two-fluid model. Further experimental validation, especially under non-constant electric fields, remains a topic of inquiry.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Feynman's Lectures on Physics, particularly part III
  • Familiarity with superconductivity concepts, including the Meissner effect
  • Knowledge of quantum mechanics and wave functions
  • Basic principles of electromagnetism and electric fields
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the two-fluid model of superconductivity
  • Study the Meissner effect and its derivation from Feynman's equations
  • Investigate experimental tests of Feynman's equations under varying electric fields
  • Explore standard texts on superconductivity, such as "Introduction to Superconductivity" by Michael Tinkham
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, particularly those specializing in quantum mechanics and superconductivity, as well as students and researchers seeking to understand the foundational equations governing superconductive behavior.

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In the last chapter of "Feynman Lectures on Physics" part III, Feynman discusses superconductivity. I am particularly intrigued by his equations (21.19) and (21.31), and even more by (21.38). Is there any experimental evidence for validity of these equations?

The question of validity of these equations is particularly important for foundations of quantum mechanics:
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=448366
 
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Maybe you could write down the formulas for our convenience? Thank you.
 
Well, it is important to understand the whole context in which the equations are derived. Therefore, it would be better to read the whole section in the book. The book itself is well known, so I assume that most serious physicists have it.

Let me just say that the equations describe the velocity (describing the electron current in a superconductor) and acceleration of electrons as a function of the wave function and the external electromagnetic field. In particular, the velocity has one term proportional to the electromagnetic potential and another term proportional to the divergence of the phase of the wave function. The acceleration has a classical term and a quantum correction that strongly depends on the wave function.
 
Last edited:
These equations (as well as the rest of the chapter) are just what I guess you could call "classical" (pre-BCS) supeconductivity, so yes their validity were verified ages ago (21.19 is what you use to derive the Meissner effect).
However, thyey do not give a correct microscopic description of superconductivity, I am too tired to read the whole chapter now; but Feymann is -as far as I remember-mainly just using the two-fluid model.
You can find more information in one of the standard texts about superonductivity (e.g. Tinkham)
 
f95toli said:
so yes their validity were verified ages ago (21.19 is what you use to derive the Meissner effect).
(21.19) is relatively trivial when the electric field is constant. But is (21.19) tested for the case of a non-constant (either in space or time) field? And what about a test of (21.38)?
 

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