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Thursday, April 16, 2015

Exploring Quantum Physics - Week 3 Question 1

Question:

Why was the isotope effect a hint towards the mechanism of superconductivity?

Solution:

I didn't attempt this question before I watch the last lecture, but looking backward, I could have. Isotopes are identical material with only differences in mass, the charges stay the same, which means the major player in superconductivity has to do with electron's interaction with the lattice, so the answer is this:

Different isotopes have the same chemical properties, meaning that their electrons behave more or less the same. Thus, the isotope effect suggested that the lattice ions were important for superconductivity.

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