Harley

Question 1

Recall the first superconducting material and its critical temperature.

Answer 1

Mercury, 4.1 K

Question 2

Identify a class of materials that can be superconducting at temperatures well above absolute zero.

Answer 2

Metal oxide ceramics

e.g. YBCO

Question 3

Desrcibe the meisner effect.

Answer 3

The expulsion of the magnetic force inside a superconductor.

Question 4

Explain the causes of the meisner effect.

Answer 4

Once a conductor goes below its critical temperature it goes into a superconducting state where it repels magnetic forces.

Question 5

One use of a superconductor is

Answer 5

The maglev train.

Question 6

Define a maglev train.

Answer 6

A maglev train uses superconductors to reach speeds of 501 km/h with minimal environmental impacts.

Question 7

Define the operation of the maglev train

Answer 7

The maglev train operates by levition being achieved by repulsion. Helium-cooled superconduction magnets on the vehicle interacting with coils in the guideway in such a way that repulsion between the poles causes the train to lift off the guideway.