Superconductivity

Superconductivity, complete disappearance of resistance to electricity in a wire or other electric circuit, which allows a current to continue without any driving voltage. Superconductivity was discovered in 1911 and was long thought to be possible only in certain metals at very low temperatures (close to absolute zero, a total absence of molecular movement). This severely limited the possible applications of superconductivity. In recent years, however, researchers have made considerable progress in inducing superconductivity in some materials at the relatively “high” temperature of about 125°K, or −243°F.

See also: Bardeen, John.