Magnet in a Pipe: Meisner Effect?

In summary, the conversation discusses the behavior of a magnet placed in an infinitely long superconducting pipe in a constant gravitational field. It is suggested that the magnet will initially drop slightly until the superconductor produces a strong enough magnetic field to support it against gravity. Even if the magnet is light, it will still need to move slightly in order for the Lorentz force to push the electrons and create a strong enough current. It is also questioned whether the magnet will move when a marble is shot off of it, and it is hypothesized that it will eventually come to rest. The possibility of using a stronger magnet to create a current in the pipe without any movement is also discussed.
  • #1
cragar
2,552
3
Lets say I have a superconducting pipe that is infinitely long.
Now I place a magnet in the pipe, will the magnet stay placed in the pipe due to the meisner effect? And the magnet is in a Constant gravitational field.
And the pipe is vertical in the G field.
 
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  • #2
I'm pretty sure it will drop slightly, until it causes the superconductor to produce a sufficiently strong magnetic field on the inside to support the magnet against gravity.
 
  • #3
Even if the magnet is light it will need to move a little bit so the Lorentz force can push the electrons and create a strong enough current. What If I hold the magnet there fore a little
bit and then let go, will it move a little bit.
And ok let's assume the magnet is stationary in the pipe, now I shoot a marble off of it,
will the magnet move a little bit and then come back to a stationary position or will it continue down the tube. It seems like it will eventually come to rest.

It seems like it might not need to move down the pipe to be held up.
What If I had a stronger magnet that weighed the same and just the presence of the magnet created that same current in the pipe as the weaker one did with the movement, it seems like it would be held up right away without any movement?
 

FAQ: Magnet in a Pipe: Meisner Effect?

What is the Meissner Effect?

The Meissner Effect is a phenomenon in which a superconductor expels all magnetic flux from its interior when it is cooled below its critical temperature. This results in the magnetic field being confined to the exterior of the superconductor.

How does a magnet in a pipe demonstrate the Meissner Effect?

A magnet in a pipe can demonstrate the Meissner Effect by placing a superconductor (such as a ceramic or metallic material) inside the pipe and cooling it below its critical temperature. The magnet will then be expelled from the interior of the pipe and be held in place on the exterior, showing that the magnetic field is confined to the outside of the superconductor.

What is the significance of the Meissner Effect?

The Meissner Effect is significant because it demonstrates the unique properties of superconductors to expel magnetic fields from their interior, allowing for applications such as levitation and efficient energy transfer.

How does the Meissner Effect relate to superconductivity?

The Meissner Effect is a defining characteristic of superconductivity. When a material is in a superconducting state, it displays the Meissner Effect, expelling all magnetic flux from its interior. This is due to the formation of Cooper pairs, which allow for the unimpeded flow of electrical current without any resistance.

Can the Meissner Effect be observed in everyday materials?

No, the Meissner Effect can only be observed in superconducting materials when they are cooled below their critical temperature. This is usually very low, making it difficult to observe in everyday materials.

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