Difference between normal conductor and superconductor
Answers
In an ideal conductor the resistance is ideally zero. A current will continue to flow through it even when the power source is removed. In an ordinary conductor the current dissipates in the resistance, when the power is removed.
In a superconductor the resistance goes to to zero when the conductor goes to superconducting phase. The current keeps flowing even when the power source is removed.
But the difference between an ideal conductor and a superconductor is that a superconductor shows Meissner effect.
Suppose a conductor is placed in a magnetic field, the magnetic line of force pass within the conductor also.
When the conductor is made to pass over to superconducting phase, by cooling it below its critical temperature, the magnetic field is expelled from within the conductor. This is Meissner effect.
A superconductor shows Meissner effect whereas an ideal conductor does not show Meissner effect.
Answer:
Characteristics Conductor Superconductor
Definition An object or material that allows the flow of charge when applied with a voltage It is a conductor that has zero electrical resistance & expels magnetic fields
Electrical Resistivity Normal conductors have some resistance that depends on its length, width, and material. Superconductors have no electrical resistance below critical temperature.
Energy consumption Due to resistance, the conductor consumes energy in the form of heat. There is no energy loss or consumption in superconductors
Current storage The current in a conductor die out when the power source is removed The current in superconductor keeps flowing even after the source is removed
Magnetic field The magnetic field lines of force pass within the conductor The superconductor expels the magnetic field from the inside.
Quantum locking or levitation A simple conductor does not have such a feat. The quantum locking is a state in which the superconductor stays locked (hovering) in a magnetic field.
Energy Storage A conductor cannot store energy due to its resistance. It dissipates energy. A superconductor does no dissipate energy so it can store energy.
Power Transmission You need multiple conductors with huge gauges to transfer power between stations. A single superconductor can transmit power between stations without any loss or insulation burnout.
Operating temperature Conductors can operate in normal range of temperatures. These conductors achieve superconductivity when it is supercooled down below 5 K.
Limitation Conductors have specific current ratings & they cannot withstand heavy current. The superconductors can tolerate an infinite amount of current but its temperature needs to be below the critical temperature.
Applications The conductors are made into wires for conduction of electrical current The superconductors have no efficient application to date due to its very low temperature but it will revolutionize our life once its temperature is maintained efficiently.