Self inductance and superconductivity?

[theBEAST]

Homework Statement

So in Walter Lewin's Electricity and Magnetism video series:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpO6t00bPb8&feature=relmfu

At around 10:00 he says that the resistance in the self inductance is zero because self inductance is superconducting material. However is it possible to have resistance? Are all self inductances superconducting? Also could someone please briefly explain how self inductance works, I know it is a constant but how can you define it intuitively. Is it a property dependent on the material? If it is high it can fight current better but how and why?

Thanks!

 

[jbsteele]

Homework Equations L = N*mu*A/lThe Attempt at a Solution Self-inductance is the property of an electric circuit by which a change in current induces an electromotive force (EMF) in the same circuit. It is denoted by the symbol 'L', and has the unit of Henry. The self-inductance of a circuit can be calculated using the equation L = N*mu*A/l, where N is the number of turns of the circuit, mu is the permeability of free space, A is the area enclosed by the circuit and l is the length of the coil.Self inductance is a property dependent on the material and geometry of the circuit. In certain materials such as superconductors, the resistance of the circuit is zero, meaning that no energy is dissipated in the form of heat. However, this is not always the case. In general, when there is a current flowing through a circuit, the self inductance will oppose the change in current. This is because the induced EMF opposes the change in current. Thus, if the material has a high self-inductance, it will be able to fight the change in current more effectively.