Electric field inside a Superconductor

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the behavior of electric fields within superconductors, specifically referencing the book "Superconductivity" by James Arnett. It is established that the electric field inside a superconductor is always zero due to the infinite conductivity (\(\sigma \rightarrow \infty\)). The implications of applying an external time-varying electric field are examined, concluding that while the electric field remains effectively zero, the response of electrons is instantaneous, adhering to the speed of light limitations. This property is crucial for understanding subsequent concepts in superconductivity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of superconductivity principles
  • Familiarity with the equation \(\mathbf j = \sigma \mathbf E\)
  • Knowledge of electromagnetic theory
  • Basic grasp of the speed of light and its implications in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of infinite conductivity in superconductors
  • Study the effects of external electric fields on superconducting materials
  • Learn about the speed of light and its relevance in electromagnetic theory
  • Explore advanced topics in superconductivity, such as Meissner effect and flux pinning
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, electrical engineers, and students studying superconductivity or electromagnetic theory will benefit from this discussion.

dRic2
Gold Member
Messages
887
Reaction score
225
TL;DR
Is electric field inside a superconductor always zero ?
I was reading chapter 3 of this book https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Superconductivity-by-James-Arnett/9780198507567, which is a brief introduction to superconductivity. It is stated that inside a superconductor the Electric filed is always zero. This is deduced from the equation ##\mathbf j = \sigma \mathbf E## and taking as an experimental evidence that ##\sigma \rightarrow \infty## for a superconductor (page 51).

What if I apply an external time-varying electric field ? Is ##\mathbf E## still zero ? It would be like the electrons instantaneously move to adapt to the new field... Is is possible ?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Not exactly, but way close enough for most things. Speed of light.
Never forget Admiral Grace Hopper's admonition the a foot corresponds to a nanosecond so unless your conductor is large or frequency high no worries
 
Thanks, just wanted to be sure because the author refers to this property various times in the next pages to prove stuff.
 

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
606
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
23
Views
4K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
851
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 130 ·
5
Replies
130
Views
13K