Zero Resistivity in superconductors

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the concept of zero resistivity in superconductors, exploring its meaning and the underlying causes. Participants touch on theoretical aspects and implications of superconductivity, particularly in relation to temperature conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the meaning of zero resistivity in superconductors and seeks to understand its cause.
  • Another participant asserts that zero resistivity allows currents to flow indefinitely and attributes this phenomenon to cooling the superconductor below its critical temperature (T_c), typically using liquid helium or nitrogen.
  • A participant humorously suggests a title correction regarding the term "superconductor."
  • A later reply confirms the title change.
  • Additional resources are provided by a participant, including a link to a lecture by Nobel laureate Leggett and a reference to an article by Brun Hansen discussing superconductivity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the deeper implications or mechanisms behind zero resistivity, and the discussion remains open-ended with varying contributions.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions regarding the definitions of superconductivity and critical temperature are not explicitly stated, and the discussion does not resolve the complexities of the phenomenon.

roshan2004
Messages
140
Reaction score
0
What is the meaning of zero resistivity in superconductors? I mean, what's the cause of zero resistivity in superconductors?
 
Physics news on Phys.org


There is no resistance, so currents will flow indefinitely. The cause is lowering the superconductor below its critical temperature (T_c). Usually liquid helium or nitrogen is used to cool a superconductor below T_c.
 


Title should be "superconconductor", not "semi-".
 
Title has been changed.

Zz.
 
A nice explanation by nobel laureate Leggett can be found here:
http://online.physics.uiuc.edu/courses/phys598sc/fall08/L14.pdf
Very readable is also the article by Brun Hansen, "Infinite conductivity of ordinary and gapless superconductors", Physica, Vol 39, p. 271-292, (1968)
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Similar threads

Undergrad Is it theoretically even possible to operate a superconductor at 25C?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad What is the Role of Superconductors in Lossless Wiring and Power Transmission?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Undergrad Superconductors and moving/accelerating charges
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad Can Superconductors Reach Relativistic Speeds and Emit Synchrotron Photons?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Undergrad What happens to the temperature of a superconductor?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Undergrad Electric field inside a Superconductor
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
High School Why is my small Bi-2223 superconductor not levitating or locking above magnets?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Graduate What Superconductor Can Have The Highest Magnetic Field Strength?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Testing My Superconductor
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
3K
Graduate Surface Barrier in Type 2 Superconductors
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K