The Schrodinger Equation in a Classical Context: Superconductivity: Feynman's Physics Explained
Superconductivity is a spectacular, large-scale quantum effect. Below a critical temperature, some metals lose all electrical resistance and expel magnetic fields entirely. The reason is that electrons join into 'Cooper pairs' that behave like bosons and condense together into a single quantum state described by one wave function spread across the whole wire. This large-scale quantum coherence is what gives superconductors their strange, wonderful properties.
The big idea
In a superconductor, countless electrons act as one giant quantum wave.
Think about it
How can a quantum effect, usually hidden in the tiniest particles, show up across an entire wire you can hold in your hand?
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