superconductors

Superconductors are materials that can conduct electricity without any resistance when cooled below a certain temperature. Unlike regular conductors like copper, which lose some energy as heat, superconductors allow electrical current to flow indefinitely without energy loss. This happens because electrons pair up and move coherently, preventing resistance. Superconductors also exhibit magnetic properties, such as expelling magnetic fields (Meissner effect). They have important applications in medical imaging (MRI), maglev trains, and efficient power transmission, but they require very low temperatures, making their use challenging and costly. Researchers are exploring higher-temperature superconductors for broader application.