Discovering Superconductivity

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 sections: Introduction - including a brief history of superconductivity Superconductivity - an explanation of the phenomenon and its effects Superconducting materials including High & Low temperature superconductors Applications 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 at: booksupport.wiley.com A word from the author: "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."