Superconductivity & Superfluidity: Macroscopic Quantum Effects - Essay Sample

Introduction

Superconductivity and superfluidity are macroscopic quantum effects that share common phenomena of flowing without resistance but in separate systems. While superconductivity refers to the transmission of electrical charges between different points without resistance, superfluidity is the flow of liquids without friction or viscosity that causes resistance (Annett, 2004). Ordinary conductors experience a reduction in electrical resistance when temperature decreases. However, the resistance does not reach zero since electrons always collide with each other. In superconductors, the electric current flows continuously with no voltage applied as long as the temperature is kept cool (Annett, 2004). Further, superconductors emit a magnetic field that is stronger than the force of gravity, enabling them to levitate or float in the air, a state known as the Meissner effect. Superfluids act similarly, flowing at zero resistance, which allows them to stay still even when the one rotates the container holding it, seep through the pores of anampoule and flow up thevessel or tube (Annett, 2004). The primary reason that led to the selection of the topic is the desire to have a better understanding of the weirdness of the superconductivity and superfluidity and how they are applied or can be used in contemporary society to initiate change or advancements in the modern world.

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Applications of Superconductivity and Superfluidity

Superconductivity has a myriad of applications in contemporary society. For instance, it is used in maglev trains to remove the friction between the train and the rail. Superconductors are also used in big hadron colliders currently utilized by scientists in various organizations (Annett, 2004). The superconductivity makes powerful electromagnets to increase the speed of charged particles. The current project on the creation of e-bombs in the U.S. also applies superconductivity to create high speed and high intense electromagnetic pulse that can overpower and disable opponents' electromagnetic weapons (Annett, 2004). Among other applications of superconductors under development include an efficient generation of electricity and fast computing.

The direct applicationsof superfluidity are few considering its high thermal conductivity. Recently, superfluid helium-4 has been used as a solvent in spectroscopic techniques that study the interaction between compounds or atoms and electromagnetic radiation (Annett, 2004). With helium as a solvent, gas molecules are enabled to behave as they would in a "gas" phase. The helium-4 has been applied as a coolant for high-field magnets due to its high thermal conductivity (Paris-Mandoki et al., 2017). The heliumisotopes, helium-3, and helium-4have also been used to detect exotic particles that also possess weird characteristics due to their negative mass that makes them accelerate in directions opposite to the applied forces (Paris-Mandoki et al., 2017). Moreover, regular instruments cannot pick up gravity movements in high-precision machines like gyroscopes; hence superfluidsare used to predict even the weakest gravity movementsin the equipment due to its ability to flow against the gravitational force.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Superconductivity and Superfluidity

The most significant advantage of superfluidity and superconductivity is the flow without resistance,which makes them applicable in diverseexpertise, machinery, and equipment. For instance, superconductor technologypresentsanopportunityto acquire more efficient power grids with cables and wires that do not allow the loss of electric currents from resistance (Annett, 2004).The zero viscosity of superfluidity also presents a great advantage as it could be used in the lubrication of stuck fasteners and loosening of other conjoined objects if their superfluid could be maintained. Moreover, the levitation of superconductors and superfluids has made it possible for scientists and other specialists to use the technology in various applications such as the e-bombsandscientific experimentstoresearch the trends further.

The major disadvantage of applying superconductivity and superfluidity in the real world is their high thermal conductivity that requires the temperature to remain constant and below their critical transition temperature for their effective functioning and without resistance (Annett, 2004). Otherwise, with higher temperatures, superconductors and superfluids go back to their normal states and regain resistance.Therefore a substantial amount of temperature must be present to refrigerate superconductors and superfluids, which can be quite expensive.

Global Impact of the Technology

Superconductivity and superfluidity technology has the potential of reshaping the world as its discovery has had a significant impact on the planet. Superconductors have enhanced the efficiency of wide-band telecommunication that operates more efficiently at gigahertz frequencies. Such high frequencies have been achieved with the superconductor technology (Institute of Physics, 2013).The technology has also facilitated proper medical diagnosis as it enables magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to produce steady and unvarying magnetic fields in human bodies,allowing the production ofclearer x-ray imaging (Institute of Physics, 2013). Yet to come is resistance-free wires and cables with the ability to carry electricity 100 times more than the conventional wires(Institute of Physics, 2013). While superfluids have been used in various applications, the technology has helpedto further research and developtheories on high-thermal superconductivity.

Impact of the Technology on the Environment

Superconductivity technology has helped solve the environmental challenges facing humanity, including clean water, sustainable energy, management of natural disasters and climate change, and carbon-free transportation.Superconductivity is or is yet to address a range of environmental issues currently facing human beings(Institute of Physics, 2013). For instance, currently, the Maglev trains and international shipping motors that use the superconducting technology significantly reduce carbon emissions that are the leading cause of the substantialamounting of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. International shipping motors contributes about 3 percent of the carbon emissions(Institute of Physics, 2013).High-temperature superconducting motors and the high-speed Maglev trails provide a solution to the growing problem due to its provision of fast, energy-saving, and environmentally-friendly transportation.

The use of superconducting technologies in transformers, generators, synchronous motors, and heavy-machineryindustries, help reduce carbon emissions to the atmosphere. Currently, engineers are working on the use of superconductors in the creation of power grids that would enable the storage of energy from renewable sources such as solar energy (Institute of Physics, 2013).The world needs to transform the methods of generation, distribution, and storage of electricity to stabilize the CO2 levels in the atmosphere. Renewable sources of energy, such as geothermal and solar power, are regarded as cost-effective and environmentally-friendlyin various nations around the world (Paris-Mandoki et al., 2017). However, the lack of effective transmission and storage facilities results in the loss of large amounts of energy. As the appetite for electricity continues to amount, superconductivity technology will facilitate the production of clean energy,which will save the environment from destruction(Institute of Physics, 2013). Moreover, the superconductive grids will be stored underground, which would not affect the landscape compared to the conventional power grids (Institute of Physics, 2013) The superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) is a developing technology that will efficiently store electricity without emitting harmful chemicals or noise (Institute of Physics, 2013). Although solar energy and wind power are produced to meet the growing demand for electricity, the lack of a proper storage system increases the likelihood of the failure of the system. SMES will enable adequate storage of energy that will be able to serve a significant number of consumers.

Similarly, superconducting cables could transmit electrical current over long distances from solar and wind power plants to towns and cities without resistance. The recent success on the short-length transmission of energy by ac cables indicates that the availability of superconductive dc cables will enhance the effectiveness of the electric system due to its ability to transmit large currents over longer distances without resistance (Institute of Physics, 2013). The superconductor cables can be designed in a way that eliminates the electromagnetic fields that have negative ramifications on the surrounding area(Institute of Physics, 2013). As affirmed by the Eckroad Steven and Marian Adela from Electric Power Research Institute and Advanced Sustainability Studies, respectively, the advancement in cryogenics, which entails the development of low-cost superconducting wires that convert A.C. to D.C., will be environmentally friendly and cost-effective(Institute of Physics, 2013). The superconductive cables will link the cities, towns, and other energy consumers with green energy.

Superconductivity has the potential to reduce the environmental damage caused by manufacturing waste products. Superconductive terahertz imaging technology can help improve manufacturing efficiency through non-destructive testing and monitoring and control of the industrial process to reduce the toxic by-products and waste material (Nishijima et al., 2013). Terahertz imaging can provide information on the process and properties of the various components during manufacturing, thus helping reduce waste products (Nishijima et al., 2013). For instance, with terahertz imaging, manufacturers can detect rust levels beneath paints and make the necessary repairs before it causes much damage and result in more waste products emitted to the air and disposed of on the land.

Additionally, superconductivity technologies will also help scientists to detect warning signs of impending natural disasters before they occur (Nishijima et al., 2013). In recent years, the world has experienced a series of natural calamities, from floods to earthquakes, innuendos, tsunamis, heat waves, and volcanic eruptions. The use of superconductive magnetometry (the measurement of magnetism) will help monitor the earth's magnetic field and ionosphere, providing a better understanding of the environment both on the earth and in the space (Nishijima et al., 2013). Consistent examining of the earth and space will help the people to take preventative measures to curb the incoming disasters,which would also help in protecting the environment from being destroyed by natural disasters.

Further, superconducting magnetic separation will facilitate recycling and reuse of water to curb the shortage of clean water on earth. Currently, only 2.5 percent of the water on the planet is clean and good for consumption (Nishijima et al., 2013). Forecasts also reveal that the global climatic changes will result in more droughts and shortages of water in most areas. The use of technology will increase the availability of clean water. When contaminated water is passed through a superconductive gradient, the strong magnetic forces on the tiny particles in the water are repelled by the superconductor's magnetic current, eliminating them from the flow (Paris-Mandoki et al., 2017). In case the particles contaminating the water are not magnetic, magnetic objects that can adhere to the particles are added, enabling the removal of the contaminants. There...