Superconductivity and metal temperatures
Bragg’s crystal structure investigation:
William and Lawrence Bragg studied crystals
with x-rays. They observed the diffraction
patterns on photographic film and determined
the internal crystal structure of the crystal.
They revealed the arrangement of the
atoms in the material and the electron
density. It shows that metals have atoms
arranged into a crystal with very high electron
density while non-metals have more spread
out electrons.
Metal crystal lattice structure:
Metals possess a crystal lattice structure.
The metal nuclei form an orderly lattice
and are surrounded by a ‘sea’ of
delocalised electrons.
Conduction as free movement of unimpeded
electrons:
In metals, the delocalised electrons randomly
move in all directions (kinetic theory) but
since an equal number move in each
direction, there is no net change in charge.
When a potential difference is applied, the
electrons will drift towards the positive area
since they are unimpeded. A general
movement is established, creating a current.
Impurities and vibrations cause resistance:
Chemical impurities disrupt the lattice
integrity which impedes moving electrons.
When a lattice vibrated (due to heat or KE),
the path of an electron is deflected and
scattered by collision with the vibrating
particles.
Superconductors:
Critical temperature: Temperature at which
a certain material’s atoms in the metallic
lattice experience minimal (near 0) KE
(vibrations) and electrons can move
unimpeded by any collisions. Therefore, a
near 0 resistance current.
Felix Benter
BCS Theory:
Bardeen, Cooper and Schrieffer theorised the
BCS theory of superconductors.
As an electron moves through a metal
lattice, the positively charged ions are
attracted and distort the lattice. Therefore,
there is a high positive charge around that
area and it attracts a 2nd electron. These 2
electrons pair and form a cooper pair.
When electrons are linked, they move
through without any collision or resistance.
As long as the temperature is low, the cooper
pairs stay intact due to the reduced molecular
motion (vibrations).
Advantages and limitations of
superconductors:
Thin wires can carry large current, as no
energy is lost to resistance.
Using superconductors in powerplants leads
to increased efficiency/decreases E loss.
Decrease in electricity demand as wire lose
less energy.
There is a maximum current before it reverts
to normal conductivity, due to the net energy.
Meisner effect:
In order for a superconducting material to
work, it must have 0 magnetic field strength
inside the conductor. When a weak magnet is
place over it, magnetic fields penetrate the
superconductor. The superconductor
produces a current to induce a mag. Field
that will oppose the initial mag. field, expelling
all magnetic forces and holding the magnet in
place.