Superconductivity is a quantum phenomenon that manifests itself in materials showing zero electrical resistance below a characteristic temperature resulting in the potential for an electric current to run continually through such a material without the need for a power source. Such materials are used extensively in medical and power applications, e.g. MRI and NMR machines. Discovering Superconductivity uses a series of practical and investigative activities, which can be used as tutor demonstrations or as student lab exercises. This highly illustrated text features the following sections:
This text will serve as an excellent introduction for students, with or without a physics background, to superconductivity. With a strong practical, experimental emphasis, it provides readers with an overview of the topic preparing them for more advanced texts used in advanced undergraduate and post-graduate courses. PowerPoint files of the figures presented within this text are available at: http://booksupport.wiley.com A word from the author: “The intention of this text is to introduce the reader to the study of superconductivity via a minds-on approach……... The minds-on approach takes this a stage further by requiring the learner to engage with the process to a greater extent.” |
Chapter 1 Resistivity and Conduction in Metals (pages 3–11):
Chapter 2 A Brief History of Superconductivity (pages 13–27):
Chapter 3 An Explanation of Superconductivity? (pages 31–50):
Chapter 4 The Meissner–Ochsenfeld Effect (pages 51–59):
Chapter 5 Diamagnetic Effects (pages 61–67):
Chapter 6 Persistence of Current (pages 69–78):
Chapter 7 Type I and Type II Superconductors (pages 79–88):
Chapter 8 Flux Pinning (pages 89–95):
Chapter 9 Low?Temperature Superconductors (pages 99–100):
Chapter 10 Organic Superconductors (pages 101–105):
Chapter 11 High?Temperature Superconductors (pages 107–114):
Chapter 12 Superconducting Wire (pages 117–120):
Chapter 13 Medical Imaging (pages 121–128):
Chapter 14 CERN and the LHC (pages 129–134):
Chapter 15 Maglev Trains (pages 135–138):