Relevance: GS III (Science & Tech) | Source: The Hindu
1. What is the News?
Scientists have used a new trick to make a material act as a superconductor at -122°C under normal air pressure. While still cold, this is a massive step toward the ultimate dream: a superconductor that works at normal room temperature.
2. What is a Superconductor?
The Concept: Normally, electricity loses energy (as heat) when traveling through wires. A superconductor carries electricity with zero resistance—meaning 100% efficiency and zero energy loss.
The Problem: Until now, these materials only worked in extreme freezing cold or under crushing physical pressure, making them useless for daily life.
3. The New Trick: ‘Pressure Quenching’
Scientists used a smart 3-step method to lock in the material’s superpower:
- Squeeze: They put the material under extreme pressure.
- Freeze: They deep-froze it.
- Release: They quickly removed the pressure. Because it was so cold, the atoms couldn’t bounce back. The benefits of the high pressure stayed “trapped” inside.
4. Why India Needs It (For Mains)
- Zero-Loss Power Grids: India loses a lot of electricity during transmission. Superconductors would completely stop this leakage, saving thousands of crores.
- Super-Fast Transport: It will enable Maglev (magnetic levitation) bullet trains that float on strong magnetic fields and travel without friction.
The “UPSC Trap”
The “LK-99” Trap: UPSC might ask about “LK-99”, a recent viral claim of a room-temperature superconductor. Incorrect. Global scientists tested it and proved it was a fake claim.
The “Room Temp” Trap: Don’t be fooled into thinking this new experiment achieved room temperature. It is a breakthrough, but it still happened at a freezing -122°C.
UPSC Value Box
| Key Term | Simple Meaning |
|---|---|
| Superconductivity | A state where a material allows electricity to flow perfectly, with zero resistance and zero heat loss. |
| Maglev | Trains that use strong magnets to float above the tracks, traveling at incredible speeds without touching the ground. |
Q. With reference to recent developments in science and technology, consider the following statements:
A superconductor is a material that conducts electricity with zero resistance, meaning no energy is wasted as heat.
The recent ‘Pressure Quenching’ technique successfully created a superconductor that works perfectly at normal room temperature (25°C).
The material ‘LK-99’, recently in the news, is an officially verified room-temperature superconductor.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: (a)
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