20 Questions
Which phenomenon can only be explained by quantum mechanics?
Superconductivity
What happens to the resistance of a superconductor below its critical temperature?
It abruptly drops to zero
Who discovered the phenomenon of superconductivity?
Heike Kamerlingh Onnes
What is the characteristic of a superconductor in the presence of a magnetic field?
It repels the magnetic field
What is the behavior of an electric current in a loop of superconducting wire?
It can persist indefinitely with no power source
Which materials exhibit superconductivity?
Superconductors
What happens to the electrical resistance of a superconductor at its critical temperature?
It drops abruptly to zero
What is the Meissner effect?
Complete ejection of magnetic field lines from the interior of a superconductor
When was the phenomenon of superconductivity discovered?
1911
What is required to explain the phenomenon of superconductivity?
Quantum mechanics
According to special relativity, the laws of physics are invariant in frames of reference with no acceleration. What is the second postulate of special relativity?
The speed of light in vacuum is the same for all observers
What led to the development of the Lorentz transformations in special relativity?
The failure of the Michelson-Morley experiment
What did Albert Einstein's 1905 paper on the electrodynamics of moving bodies describe?
The laws of physics in inertial frames of reference
What is the special theory of relativity also known as?
Special relativity
What did the Michelson-Morley experiment fail to detect?
The motion of the Earth against the hypothesized luminiferous aether
According to Albert Einstein's 1905 paper, what is the basis of the special theory of relativity?
The laws of physics are invariant in all frames of reference
What is the second postulate of special relativity?
The speed of light in vacuum is the same for all observers
What did the Michelson-Morley experiment fail to detect?
The existence of the luminiferous aether
What led to the development of the Lorentz transformations in special relativity?
The incompatibility of Maxwell's equations with Newtonian mechanics
What did Albert Einstein's 1905 paper on the electrodynamics of moving bodies describe?
The adjustment of distances and times for moving objects
Study Notes
Superconductivity
- Only explained by quantum mechanics
- Below critical temperature, resistance of superconductor becomes zero
- Discovered by Heike Kamerlingh Onnes in 1911
- In presence of magnetic field, superconductor expels magnetic field (Meissner effect)
- Electric current in loop of superconducting wire persists indefinitely with no reduction
Materials
- Certain materials exhibit superconductivity
- Examples not specified
Critical Temperature
- At critical temperature, electrical resistance of superconductor becomes zero
Meissner Effect
- Expulsion of magnetic field by superconductor in presence of magnetic field
History
- Superconductivity discovered in 1911 by Heike Kamerlingh Onnes
Theory
- Quantum mechanics required to explain phenomenon of superconductivity
Special Relativity
Postulates
- Second postulate: the laws of physics are invariant in frames of reference with no acceleration
Development
- Led to development of Lorentz transformations
- Albert Einstein's 1905 paper on electrodynamics of moving bodies described special theory of relativity
Theory
- Also known as the special theory of relativity
- Basis: the laws of physics are the same for all observers in uniform motion relative to one another
Experiments
- Michelson-Morley experiment failed to detect ether wind
Test your knowledge on superconductivity and its unique property of zero electrical resistance. Learn about the materials that exhibit this phenomenon and how it differs from ordinary conductors.
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