The unit superconductivity consists of articles, interviews, explanations, exercises and suggestions for practical work and research. This unit deals with the physics of the phenomenon of superconductivity, and pays attention to the contributions of superconducting materials to technology and health care. You can also find the portrait of a research group working on superconductors.
To the English text reader (arrow opens and closes)
This page is a translation of the introduction page to the collection of Supergeleiding articles, tutorials, exercises etc. The links refer to the original articles with texts in Dutch − all languages are spoken by the images, flashlets, films and formulas.
The page was made on the occasion of GIREP 2006.
For more information, please contact Maarten Pieters.
Interactive tutorial
- Lenz's Law and the Meissner effect. In this interactive tutorial the following concepts get attention: induction current and voltage, magnetic field, Lenz's Law, magnetic flux, change of flux.
Articles
- Superconductivity, how does that work? In this article we explain how superconductivity can be explained theoretically. The article is a start for further investigation. It can be understood with high school physics.
- Magnetic Levitation: an application of superconductivity Can we make a train levitate with the help of magnetic fields? That is possible, strong magnetic fields are needed. How does that work?
- MRI, a medical application This article goes into the principles on which Magnetic Resonance Imaging technology is based. Just like electrons, also protons appear to have quanticised energy states. It also clarifies why superconducting materials are needed with this technology.
- Nobel Prize 2003 Physics . Superconductivity. In 2003, the Nobel Prize was awarded to an American, a Russian and a British physicist. They have developed theories to describe two curious phenomena: superconductivity and superliquidity. For that matter, theories about superconductivity have produced quite an amount of Nobel Prizes. The article describes history and future of knowledge and applications of this natural phenomenon.
Exercises
Practical work and research
- See for complete module Career Orientation and Support offered by the University of Twente.
Studie en beroep
- Interview with Jaap Flokstra, SQUIDS. Jaap Flokstra leads a research group working on superconductors. Of course, his group studies all kinds of applications that may bring you very much comfort in the future.
- Interview with patient, MRI. It can happen: the suspicion that a health trouble is caused by cancer. An MRI-scan then becomes very realistic.
University of Twente
The University of Twente is willing to organise, in consultation with the school, an afternoon activity at the campus in Enschede. An introduction into the theory of superconductivity will be presented and some experiments will be done. Also a few demonstrations can be carried out in your school. You will be supported by students of the University of Twente.
Such activities bring your students directly into contact with the University as well as with enthusiastic physics students. Are you interested? Contact docenten@natuurkunde.nl. See also the module Career Orientation and Support.
