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Ch.12 - Solids and Solid-State Materials
Chapter 12, Problem 13

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) Graph showing the electrical resistance behavior of a superconductor below the transition temperature.
(b)
(c)
(d)

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

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.
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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.
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