Superconductor

Why in news?

• Korean researchers have claimed to have developed a superconductor that can operate at room temperature and ambient pressure.

About Superconductor:

• A superconductor is a material that achieves superconductivity, which is a state of matter that has no electrical resistance and does not allow magnetic fields to penetrate.
• An electric current in a superconductor can persist indefinitely.
• Superconductors have important applicability in our daily lives, too. In 1933, Walther Meissner and Robert Ochsenfeld discovered that superconductors are also perfect diamagnets (they repel magnetic fields, known as the Meissner effect), making them ideal for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). 
• However, superconductivity can only typically be achieved at very cold temperatures.
• Researchers are now trying to find and develop superconductors that could operate at room temperature.

Superconductors and temperature:

• The temperature of a superconductor known as the critical temperature, is typically below 10 Kelvin (-263 degrees Celsius). Room temperature is 20-22°C.
• Hence, superconductors at room temperature can cut the cost of electricity grids, computer chips, magnets for maglev trains, energy-storage devices and fusion reactors by saving electricity and money on coolants.

Add ons:

• Researchers have claimed to have developed a superconductor called LK-99, that works at room temperature and ambient pressure.
• LK-99 is a mix of powdered compounds of lead, oxygen, sulphur and phosphorus. When heated at very high temperatures, it forms a dark grey solid. 
• If these results can be replicated in other labs, it could be a monumental discovery. However, other researchers are skeptical as this research is not peer-reviewed and the results need to be replicated by others.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Consider the following statements:

Statement – I : Superconductivity is typically achieved at very high temperatures.

Statement – II: Superconductivity refers to a state when a material can conduct electricity without any resistance.

Which one of the following  is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement I

(b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II is not the correct explanation for Statement I

(c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect

(d) Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct

Answer