2007-01-09 09:34:12 · 2 answers · asked by skydiver 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Current 'superconductors' are basically cryogenic-temperature devices that exhibit an effective resistance of zero ohms when kept below their threshold temperatures. With no resistance, the losses in the conductor are effectively zero, allowing for optimum power transfer.
The problem is the amount of energy that can be transferred via the superconductor itself ... and the temperatures at which they operate. The 'hottest' superconducting material available for commercial use has a breakdown temperature of something in the neighborhood of 77 Kelvin (= -196 C = -321 F). Above this temperature (i.e. warmer), it is no longer a superconductor.
2007-01-09 10:06:30 · answer #1 · answered by CanTexan 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they are conductors that have almost no resistance at regular temperatures, so they don't get hot when a current goes through it.
2007-01-09 17:46:06 · answer #2 · answered by psychiccyberfreak 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋