- #1
Danyon
- 83
- 1
Does a superconductor experience any forces acting upon it when it is passed through a magnetic field?
Superconductors in magnetic fields
- Thread starter Danyon
- Start date
In summary, a superconductor does experience forces when passed through a magnetic field, as seen in videos of levitating superconductors. In addition, type II superconductors will have some flux lines passing through the material. If there is current flowing within the conductor, it will experience a Lorentz force (F_L) equal to I x L x B. The magnetic field will be expelled from the superconductor and can only propagate within a limited distance known as the London penetration depth, resulting in the Meissner effect. While a superconductor is a perfect diamagnet, the nature of its diamagnetism differs from that of ordinary materials.
- #2
Hornbein
- 2,649
- 2,218
Danyon said:
Yes, as evidenced by those videos of levitating superconductors.
- #3
PhiowPhi
- 203
- 8
Adding to that, if type II superconductors would have some of the flux lines passing through the material:
Let's assume there is current flowing within the conductor will it experience a Lorentz force(##F_L##)? Is it equal to(##IL \times B##)?
Let's assume there is current flowing within the conductor will it experience a Lorentz force(##F_L##)? Is it equal to(##IL \times B##)?
- #4
radium
Science Advisor
Education Advisor
- 765
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The magnetic field will be expelled from the superconductor. It can only propagate within a distance called the London penetration depth. This is the meissner effect. The applied field in the interior is canceled by surface currents. In this sense, an sc is a perfect diamagnet, but the diamagnetism is different from ordinary materials.
FAQ: Superconductors in magnetic fields
What is a superconductor?
A superconductor is a material that has the ability to conduct electricity with zero resistance when cooled below a certain temperature, known as its critical temperature.
What happens when a superconductor is placed in a magnetic field?
When a superconductor is placed in a magnetic field, it expels the magnetic field from its interior, also known as the Meissner effect. This allows the superconductor to maintain its zero resistance property.
What is the critical magnetic field of a superconductor?
The critical magnetic field of a superconductor is the maximum magnetic field that a superconductor can withstand while still maintaining its superconducting properties. This critical field is dependent on the material and its temperature.
Can superconductors be used in high magnetic field applications?
Yes, superconductors can be used in high magnetic field applications, as they are able to withstand much higher magnetic fields than regular conductors. This makes them useful in fields such as MRI machines and particle accelerators.
What are some current challenges in using superconductors in magnetic fields?
One challenge is finding materials that can maintain their superconducting properties at higher temperatures. Another challenge is developing cost-effective methods for producing and using superconductors in large-scale applications. Additionally, there is ongoing research to better understand how superconductors behave in different magnetic field strengths and orientations.