Discussion Overview
The discussion centers on the theoretical possibility of operating a superconductor at 25 degrees Celsius. Participants explore the temperature limits for superconductivity, the role of pressure, and current achievements in high-temperature superconductors.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant questions whether it is theoretically possible to have a superconductor operate at 25 degrees Celsius and seeks to understand the theoretical temperature threshold for superconductivity.
- Another participant suggests that while it is not theoretically impossible to achieve superconductivity at higher temperatures, the practical limits for materials relying on Cooper pairs are around 30-40K.
- A different viewpoint introduces the idea that applying sufficient pressure could enable superconductivity at higher temperatures, although such pressures are not feasible on Earth.
- One participant notes that the highest temperature achieved for superconductivity is -23 degrees Celsius, which is close to 25 degrees Celsius, but emphasizes that this required extremely high pressures (150GPa - 170GPa).
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants do not reach a consensus on the possibility of operating a superconductor at 25 degrees Celsius, with multiple competing views regarding temperature limits and the influence of pressure.
Contextual Notes
The discussion highlights limitations related to practical pressures required for superconductivity and the theoretical nature of the claims made regarding temperature thresholds.