Physics 2: HSC Course, 2

nd
edition (Andriessen et al, 2003), Chapter 13
1
MODULE: FROM IDEAS TO IMPLEMENTATION
Chapter 13: Superconductivity (Questions, pages 247-248)
1. (a) Yes
(b) The X-rays interact with atoms in the different layers of the crystal. The part of
the wave which interacts with the lower layers travels a greater distance and may no
longer be in phase with the part of the wave interacting with atoms in layers above.
The critical factor is whether the extra distance travelled is a whole number multiple
of the wavelength involved. In this case, there is constructive interference for the
emerging waves that is, a maximum occurs. A maximum may occur for the same
wavelength and lattice spacing distance at different angles, each for a different n
value.
2. <to come>
3. Cooper pairs are not impeded in their movement through the crystal lattice resulting
in the dramatic decrease to zero of the resistance when the superconductor is below
the critical temperature.
4. (a) Type I superconductors are metals or metal alloys with critical temperatures of
20K or lower. Type II superconductors are metal oxides (ceramics) with much higher
critical temperatures, some above 100k. These can also remain superconductors while
conducting higher temperatures and produce larger magnetic fields than Type I.
(b) Type II is used in school labs as it is not possible to lower the temperature of a
superconductor to the low, near-zero temperatures required for Type I
superconductors.
5.
(a)
I = 300 mA = 300 x 10
-3
A
V = 4.2 mV = 4.2 x 10
-3
V
=

=
=
=

2
3
3
10 4 . 1
10 300
10 2 . 4
I
V
R
IR V
(b)
I = 300 mA = 300 x 10
-3
A
R = 1.0 x 10
-4

V 10 0 . 3
10 0 . 1 10 300
5
4 3

=
=
= IR V
Physics 2: HSC Course, 2
nd
edition (Andriessen et al, 2003), Chapter 13
2
6.
Total R = (10 + 1.0 x 10
-4
)
V = 1.5 V
A 15 . 0
10
5 . 1
=
=
=
R
V
I
7. A superconductor below its critical temperature responds to the presence of an
external magnetic field by the flow of internal currents, which set up a magnetic field
cancelling the external field. That is, the resultant magnetic field inside the
superconductor becomes zero and the superconductor is said to have expelled the
applied magnetic field.
The external and internal magnetic fields are in opposite directions so that
there is repulsion of the magnet producing the external field above the
superconductor. The upward repulsion cancels the weight force and the magnet is
suspended above the superconductor.
8. (a)
Voltage
(V)
Temp.
(K)
Resistance
()
Voltage
(V)
Temp.
(K)
Resistance
()
0.0010370 118.2 0.0104 0.0008440 93.5 0.0084
0.0010270 116.1 0.0103 0.0007830 93.2 0.0078
0.0010600 114.8 0.0106 0.0006390 93.0 0.0064
0.0010490 112.9 0.0105 0.0005050 92.6 0.0051
0.0010350 110.9 0.0104 0.0003790 92.3 0.0038
0.0010200 109.1 0.0102 0.0002430 92.1 0.0024
0.0010090 106.9 0.0101 0.0000930 91.7 0.0009
0.0010010 105.0 0.0100 0.0000100 91.4 0.0001
0.0009890 103.5 0.0099 0.0000030 91.0 0.0000
0.0009750 102.2 0.0098 0.0000002 90.8 0.0000
0.0009670 100.0 0.0097 -0.0000002 90.1 0.0000
0.0009510 97.9 0.0095 -0.0000001 89.9 0.0000
0.0009440 95.8 0.0094 0.0000003 89.5 0.0000
0.0009180 95.0 0.0092 -0.0000001 88.8 0.0000
0.0009110 94.3 0.0091 0.0000001 88.5 0.0000
0.0008920 93.8 0.0089
(b) When the temperature is less than the critical temperature, there is no resistance in
the circuit made of superconductors and a current is maintained without loss of
energy. An applied voltage would increase the current and the negative voltages need
to be applied to maintain the current at 100 mA.
(c)
<take in figure 13A graph>
(d) The largest slope occurs at 93 K.
(e) Critical temperature is 93 K.
(f) This is a Type II superconductor as the critical temperature is close to 100 K.
Physics 2: HSC Course, 2
nd
edition (Andriessen et al, 2003), Chapter 13
3
9. Applications of superconductors include:
Power transmission. The resistance of conductors is the cause of heating and
the energy loss in the transmission of electricity. Electricity would be less
expensive using superconductors and fewer power stations would be needed as
it would be more economical to transmit electricity over greater distances. The
brittleness of ceramic superconductors is still a problem.
Maglev trains. Trains could be suspended using magnetic levitation so that
there was no contact with any guide rails resulting in a major decrease in
friction and energy loss. Faster speeds would be possible, although air
resistance limits the possible speed as well the cost of the electrical energy
used to generate the magnetic field required.
10. The main problem is the very low temperature required even by Type II
superconductors. Scientists are attempting to produce materials that will superconduct
at higher temperatures.
The other major problem is the brittleness of ceramic Type II superconductors,
making their use difficult. As well, there is a limit to the current that a superconductor
can carry; above a certain size it becomes a normal conductor with resistance.
11. High temperature superconductors will be more economical to use in a greater
variety of applications.
12.
Conductors Superconductors
In a normal conductor,
energy is lost as a current
is conducted.
A normal conductor is
said to have resistance,
which gradually reduces
to zero as the temperature
is lowered.
No energy is lost in a superconductor.
In a superconductor, the resistance decreases
gradually until the temperature (called its
critical temperature) is reached, when the
resistance drops immediately to zero.
Superconductors expel external magnetic fields
when below their critical temperatures, called
the Meissner effect.
Superconductors exhibit the Josephson effect,
allowing them to act as switches.