Q. Consider the following statements:
1.A superconductor is a material that exhibits extremely high electrical resistance and loses energy when cooled below a certain critical temperature.
2.Superconductivity can only typically be achieved at very cold temperatures.
3.Superconductors at room temperature can cut the cost of electricity grids.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Explanation –
Statement 1 is incorrect. A superconductor is a material that exhibits zero electrical resistance and the expulsion of magnetic fields when it is cooled below a certain critical temperature. In other words, it allows electric current to flow through it without any loss of energy due to resistance, and it also repels magnetic fields. An electric current in a superconductor can persist indefinitely.
Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Superconductivity can only typically be achieved at very cold temperatures. The temperature of a superconductor known as the critical temperature, is typically below 10 Kelvin (-263 degrees Celsius). Room temperature is 20-22°C. Hence, superconductors at room temperature can cut the cost of electricity grids, computer chips, etc.
Source: ForumIAS
