Superconductor
Description: A magnet is levitated on a superconductor of 1-2-3 yttrium barium copper oxide, when the superconducting material is cooled with liquid nitrogen.
This demonstration is also available on video and JCE Software “Chemistry Comes Alive!” Vol. 2 CD-Rom.
Source: Journal of Chemical Education Vol. 64
Year: 1987 Vol: 64 Page: 851
Keywords: Meissner effect, Superconductivity, Yttrium oxide, Barium carbonate, Magnetism
Rating: 
Hazard: Some
- Cryogenic burn hazard
- Asphyxiation Hazard
- Electric shock hazard
- Implosion hazard
Effectiveness: Good
- Strong effects seen by audience
- Low failure rate
- Results are clearly observable without guidance
- Time to results is low
Difficulty: Medium
- Demos at non-standard conditions
- Fine motor skills manipulations
- Simple procedures
- Demos in which a display is used
- Strong magnetic field in use
Safety Precautions:
- Eye protection required
- Perform in well-ventilated area
- Cryogenic gloves required
- Use of UL approved three-prong plug and outlet
- Avoid ferromagnetic material when using magnet
Class: Macromolecules and Solid State Chemistry
Division: General, Physical Chemistry, Material Science Chemistry
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