A superconductor is a material that loses all electrical resistance below a characteristic temperature called the superconducting transition temperature. Which graph represents the behavior of a superconductor? (LO 12.13) (a)
(b)
(c)
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Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the characteristic behavior of a superconductor: it loses all electrical resistance below a certain temperature, known as the superconducting transition temperature.
2. Examine the provided graph to determine if it shows a drop in electrical resistance to zero at a specific temperature.
3. Observe the x-axis of the graph, which represents temperature, and the y-axis, which represents electrical resistance.
4. Look for a point on the graph where the resistance drops sharply to zero as the temperature decreases.
5. Confirm that the graph shows zero resistance below the superconducting transition temperature, indicating the behavior of a superconductor.

Key Concepts

Superconductivity

Superconductivity is a phenomenon where certain materials exhibit zero electrical resistance and expel magnetic fields when cooled below a critical temperature, known as the superconducting transition temperature. This allows for the flow of electric current without energy loss, making superconductors highly efficient for various applications, including magnetic levitation and advanced electronic devices.

Resistance vs. Temperature Graph

The resistance vs. temperature graph for a superconductor typically shows a sharp drop in resistance as the temperature decreases, reaching zero resistance at the superconducting transition temperature. This behavior contrasts with normal conductors, where resistance generally increases with temperature. Understanding this graph is crucial for identifying the characteristics of superconductors.

Critical Temperature

The critical temperature, or superconducting transition temperature, is the temperature below which a material transitions into a superconducting state. Each superconductor has a specific critical temperature, which is a key parameter in determining its practical applications. Identifying this temperature is essential for understanding the conditions under which superconductivity occurs.