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Why do some metals become superconductors?

Transcript

Some metals become superconductors because, at very low temperatures, their electrons pair up into what are called Cooper pairs. These pairs move in sync through the material without scattering, which eliminates electrical resistance. This effect typically occurs because of interactions between the electrons and lattice vibrations known as phonons.

'a round object floating on a metal bar'
Some metals become superconductors because, at very low temperatures, their electrons pair up into what are called Cooper pairs.
'a cube floating in a smoke ring'
These pairs move in sync through the material without scattering, which eliminates electrical resistance[1][2][4][6].
'close-up of a gold metal piece'
This effect typically occurs because of interactions between the electrons and lattice vibrations known as phonons[1][2][6].

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