Discovering Superconductivity: An Investigative Approach

by Gren Ireson (editor)

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 - including a brief history of superconductivitySuperconductivity - an explanation of the phenomenon and its effectsSuperconducting materials - including High & Low temperature superconductorsApplications - how superconductivity is used in medical imaging, at CERN and in the Maglev trains 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 booksupport.wiley.comA word from the "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."

192 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 30, 2012