Race for the Superconductor

• 1988 ----- color ----- 58 min ----- vhs
• (Nova series) Certain metals lose all resistance to electricity when cooled close to absolute zero, -459F. Superconductivity, discovered in 1911 by Dutch scientist Kammeringh Onnes, held practical problems for the high cost of refrigeration has been a major hindrance. In 1985, a new class of ceramic-like substances was discovered that became superconductors at approximately -405F. Less than a year later, Paul Chu made the historic announcement that he had found a ceramic substance that became a superconductor at -279F, slightly above the easily attained temperature of liquid nitrogren. Traces the history of these discoveries.
• Topics: (Computer Sciences, International Business, Physics)