Superconductor Questions

[Rainsford]

I have a couple of questions for all you physics types about superconductors. First of all, what is it that makes it so hard to find a room temperature superconductor? Second question, if a room temperature superconductor was developed, the computer would produce no heat (except for the PS) because there would be almost 0 resistance, correct? Also, a low resistance would benefit in other ways, correct? Lower voltage would be required for equal current, right? Just wanted to see if how I was thinking about this was right. Thanks.

 

[JSang]

hmm,
well, the reason that superconductors behave the way they do was explained through complex quantum theory (ie math i dont understand). but basically what happens is when current travels down a wire for example, the electrons interact with the vibrating atoms of metal, tranfering energy and inducing heat. when the atoms are cooled the vibrations slow down enough, and are interact in such a way that the magnetic field causes circulating vortices of current, which generate a magnetic field that opposes the applied field, thereby eliminting electron interaction with the metal atoms nuclei.
until recently, there was no substance to have this superconductive property above zero kelvin. (i think ceramics and like carbon based substances have now broken that barrier).
and if a superconductor was made at room temp, there should be no (or very little) heat produced because there would be no resistance. and yes, v=ir so (i think) a near zero resistance would lower the voltage needed...although direct application of numbers dont always behave as planned when number approach infinity.
*disclaimer* and if any of this is wrong, i apologize, this stuff hurts my head too

 

[Stealth1024]

in fact currents have been found to exist on there own (infinite loop) for many years in super conductors after they have been started....

 

[CTho9305]

well, for a computer to produce no heat, the transistor wells would have to either be 100% on or 100% off, which would be pretty impressive . However, you could make the interconnects superconduct, which would definitely reduce heat.

 

[JSang]

ah yes,wanted to imply there would be no heat created from the superconducted parts of your system. you obviously wouldnt want free flowing currents running on every single piece of your system.

 

[Passions]

<< in fact currents have been found to exist on there own (infinite loop) for many years in super conductors after they have been started.... >>



AMAZING! That's really awesome.

 

[zephyrprime]

<< no substance to have this superconductive property above zero kelvin >>



Close. In the past, no substance was know that was superconductive execpt at temperatures near zero kelvin. But still, they were like, 4-20 kelvin or something and superconducting. But a lot of other super conductors have been found since then and they can conduct at much warmer temperatures. This allows for things like MRI machines. I think the current record holder supr conducts at a balmy 133 degrees kelvin but they may have found something better by now.

 

[JSang]

well my point was that before the only was that could do it were really cold...now advances have been made

 

[KrayzyAzn]

where's the hot deal?

 

[KrayzyAzn]

oops.. wrong forums sorry

 

[CTho9305]

Originally posted by: KrayzyAzn
oops.. wrong forums sorry

lol... i thought that was a joke
(hot, superconductor? )