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Two divided by zero (superconductors)

David Young

Sep 24, 2012
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Sep 24, 2012
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As V is I divided by resistance, what current would run through a superconductor connecting a potential drop of 2V?

The actual voltage is arbitrary, although I was listening to the first track on 'Please' when the question first occurred to me.

My own guesses about the answer are:
1) Real-world example: I = 2/whatever resistance there is in the connections to the superconductor.
2) Hypothetical example: The potential drop would disappear as there would be nothing to maintain the potential difference any more.

I wouldn't stake my life on 2, but I can't figure out any other way of calculating the current.
 

BobK

Jan 5, 2010
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There cannot be a 2V potential drop across a superconductor, it is always 0. As you surmised any current will be limited by the external circuit.

Bob
 

Raven Luni

Oct 15, 2011
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Oct 15, 2011
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Infinity is the correct answer to a division by 0. So yes - your limits only apply where this is not the case.
 
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