Article
Article
DISCLAIMER: This article is being kept online for historical purposes. Though accurate at last review, it is no longer being updated. The page may contain broken links or outdated information.
Superconducting balls
Article By:
Tao, Rongjia Department of Physics, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Last reviewed:2002
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.YB020890
Superconductors strongly repel a magnetic field. This phenomenon, known as the Meissner effect, is the scientific basis for the magnetically levitated (maglev) superconducting trains, which can move at a speed of 500 km/h (310 mi/h). According to electromagnetic theory, electric and magnetic fields are intricately related. Thus, the interaction between superconductors and an electric field is of great interest. Fritz London first studied the issue in 1935 and proposed that superconductors and conventional conductors might react to electric fields differently. However, due to the difficulties associated with these types of experiments, this issue remains controversial and unresolved. The recent discovery of the formation of superconducting balls in a strong electric field illustrates the rich physics of this area.
The content above is only an excerpt.
About AccessScience
AccessScience provides the most accurate and trustworthy scientific information available.
Recognized as an award-winning gateway to scientific knowledge, AccessScience is an amazing online resource that contains high-quality reference material written specifically for students. Contributors include more than 10,000 highly qualified scientists and 46 Nobel Prize winners.
MORE THAN 8700 articles covering all major scientific disciplines and encompassing the McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science & Technology and McGraw-Hill Yearbook of Science & Technology
115,000-PLUS definitions from the McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms
3000 biographies of notable scientific figures
MORE THAN 19,000 downloadable images and animations illustrating key topics
ENGAGING VIDEOS highlighting the life and work of award-winning scientists
SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER STUDY and additional readings to guide students to deeper understanding and research
LINKS TO CITABLE LITERATURE help students expand their knowledge using primary sources of information
