How Does Superconductivity Allow for 0 Resistance?

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    Superconductivity
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the phenomenon of superconductivity, specifically addressing the question of how superconductors can exhibit zero electrical resistance at low temperatures. Participants explore the underlying mechanisms and theoretical frameworks, including quantum mechanics and electron interactions within materials.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how superconductivity can lead to zero resistance, suggesting that collisions between electrons and atomic nuclei should still occur at low temperatures.
  • Another participant explains that superconductivity involves the formation of Cooper pairs and interactions with the crystal lattice, which help eliminate collisions, emphasizing the quantum mechanical nature of the effect.
  • A participant with limited knowledge of quantum physics expresses an understanding that electrons may flow through vacancies in the crystal structure, avoiding collisions, and seeks confirmation of this interpretation.
  • A later reply encourages further investigation into Cooper pairs and the concept of long-range order, indicating that a deeper understanding of quantum mechanics is necessary to grasp the phenomenon fully.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the explanation of superconductivity. There are differing levels of understanding and interpretations of the mechanisms involved, with some participants seeking clarification and others providing technical insights.

Contextual Notes

Some claims rely on assumptions about the behavior of electrons and the nature of quantum interactions, which may not be fully resolved in the discussion. The complexity of the topic suggests that a comprehensive understanding requires knowledge beyond basic concepts.

Zubeen
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Superconductivity... awkward

Superconductivity says that below certain temperature, certain materials offer 0 resistance to the current flowing through them...
But how is this possible ? resistance offered is because of loss of kinetic energy of electrons due to collision with atoms' nuclei, which will always happen however low temperature is attained ... will you please explain ??
 
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Superconductivity involves a cooperative interaction between specially paired electrons ("Cooper pairs") and distortions in the crystal lattice (phonons). These conspire to effectively eliminate collisions. The effect is quantum mechanical, and cannot really be pictured in terms of classical models.
 
I have very little knowledge of Quantum physics, but I have read that it says about probability wave of particles.
What I understood through your post is that some how electrons flow through the vacancies present in the crystal of the material, and hence they avoiding collisions. Have i got it right ??
 
Zubeen said:
I have very little knowledge of Quantum physics, but I have read that it says about probability wave of particles.
What I understood through your post is that some how electrons flow through the vacancies present in the crystal of the material, and hence they avoiding collisions. Have i got it right ??

You need to look up what you have been told, i.e. "Cooper Pairs" and why that results in a from of a condensate having something called "long range order". It requires knowledge beyond just the usual "electron flow".

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/solids/bcs.html#c1

Zz.
 

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