Superconductors, the Irresistible Future

by Albert Stwertka

Discusses new materials being developed to conduct energy more efficiently and the possible impact of this development on future technology. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0531125262
• ISBN13: 9780531125267
• Release Date: January 1991
• Publisher: Franklin Watts
• Length: 95 Pages
• Weight: 0.88 lbs.
• Age Range: 12 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 7 and higher

Customer Reviews

Through, detailed, well explained = Excellent Resource

It explains the history, the chemistry, physics,applications, and possible future of superconductors. Highly recommended for someone looking to learn about superconductors.

Superconductors-Irresistible Future by Stwertka

This book is an excellent reference on the history and likelydirection of suprconductors. The author begins by defining the superconductor in terms of the ability of metals to carry electricity without the loss of energy. Numerous applicationsof superconductors are provided. For instance, they may be utilized to store power or run trains as in the Japanese meglevlevitational train. The book describes the evolution of theKelvin absolute temmperature scale to articulate Absolute Zero.The author describes important critical temperatures ofsuperconductors; such as Hg at 4.1K, Pb at 7.2K and the theorythat an increase in magnetic field results in a decrease ofcritical temperature. The Meissner effect is described; wherein,there is an expulsion of magnetic fields from the interior of asuperconductor. A phase change causes material to becomea superconductor. The goal of labs for the longer term is to findmaterials that superconduct above temperatures where nitrogenor N liquifies. New products; such as SQUIDS are superconductors which may be utilized to detect brain signals. In addition,computer technology is creating superfast switches calledJosephson junctures; wherein, a thin layer of insulating materialis sandwiched between layers of a superconducting material.