2 Read the information and say what current applications of superconductivity you know.
Module 11
Lesson 1
Look at these pictures. What physical phenomenon unites these pictures?
1 Answer these questions
1 What do you know about superconductivity?
2 When was superconductivity discovered?
3 What is a superconductor?
2 Read the information and say what current applications of superconductivity you know.
The phenomenon of superconductivity has always been very exciting, both for its fundamental scientific interest and because of its many applications. The discovery in 1980s of high-temperature superconductivity in certain metallic oxides sparked even greater excitement in the scientific and business communities. Many scientists consider this major breakthrough to be as important as the invention of the transistor. For this reason, it is important that all students of science and engineering understand the basic electromagnetic properties of superconductors and become aware of the scope of their current applications.
3 Complete the definitions, using the prompts.
resistance a substance/ the degree/ the flow of electricity/to which/prevents/through it
resistivity electrical/ of/ resistance/ a measure/ of a substance
conduct v (physics) to flow/ electricity or heat/ through/to allow
conductor electricity/a substance/ or heat/ that allows/ to pass/ along it or through it
superconductor resistance/ a/ zero/ with/electrical/ material
semiconductor such as silicon,/ a substance/ to flow/ that/ some/ allows/ electricity/
through it/ to flow
insulator allow/ a substance/ that/ does not/electricity/ to pass/ through
4 Choose the correct alternative.
1 Copper/gold/silver is the most electrically conductive element
2 Aluminum is a good superconductor/ conductor/semiconductor
3 Mercury becomes a conductor/ superconductor/ semiconductor at very low temperatures
4 Although silver/copper/ is the best conductor, copper / silver/ is used more often
in electrical applications because copper /silver is less expensive
5 Gold /silver has a much higher corrosion resistance
6 Glass is a good conductor/ superconductor /insulator
5 Work in pairs and discuss the questions.
1 What is the most conductive element?
2 What is an electrical insulator? Name some common insulators.
3 How does a conductor differ from an insulator?
4 What makes water a good conductor of electricity?
5 What elements are used more often as conductors in electrical applications? Why?
6 Why is silver the best conductor?