This article has been reviewed by the following Topic Editor: Peter Saundry
Heike Kamerlingh Onnes (1853-1926), a Dutch physicist who discovered superconductivity in 1911, a phenomenon occurring in certain materials at low temperatures, characterized by the complete absence of electrical resistance and the damping of the interior magnetic field. Onnes cooled mercury in his laboratory to 452 degrees below zero Fahrenheit (F); this is close to the temperature of "absolute zero" (-459° F) at which the motion of all individual atoms stops. Subsequent applications of superconducting materials include high-speed magnetic-levitation trains, magnetic-resonance-imaging (MRI) equipment, ultra-high-speed computer chips, high-capacity digital memory chips, energy storage systems, and gyroscopes for earth-orbiting satellites. Onnes was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1913 for his discovery of superconductivity.
Are you absolutely sure you want to delete this article? This process cannot be undone and is permanent.
Cutler Cleveland (Lead Author);Peter Saundry (Topic Editor) "Onnes, Heike Kamerlingh". In: Encyclopedia of Earth. Eds. Cutler J. Cleveland (Washington, D.C.: Environmental Information Coalition, National Council for Science and the Environment). [First published in the Encyclopedia of Earth August 18, 2006; Last revised Date August 18, 2006; Retrieved May 26, 2012 <http://www.eoearth.org/article/Onnes,_Heike_Kamerlingh>
The Author
Editor-in-Chief
The Encyclopedia of Earth Cutler J. Cleveland is the founding Editor-in-Chief of the Encyclopedia of Earth. Dr. Cleveland is currently a Professor in the Department of Geography and Environment at Boston University, with joint appointments in the Center for Energy and Environmental Studies and the Pardee Center for the Study of the Longer Range Future. He also is a Senior Fellow at the National Council for Science and the Environment in Washington D.C. Dr. Cleveland is als ... (Full Bio)
Heike Kamerlingh Onnes (1853-1926), a Dutch physicist who discovered superconductivity in 1911, a phenomenon occurring in certain materials at low temperatures, characterized by the complete absence of electrical resistance and the damping of the interior magnetic field. Onnes cooled mercury in his laboratory to 452 degrees below zero Fahrenheit (F); this is close to the temperature of "absolute zero" (-459° F) at which the motion of all individual atoms stops. Subsequent applications of superconducting materials include high-speed magnetic-levitation trains, magnetic-resonance-imaging (MRI) equipment, ultra-high-speed computer chips, high-capacity digital memory chips, energy storage systems, and gyroscopes for earth-orbiting satellites. Onnes was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1913 for his discovery of superconductivity.
Are you absolutely sure you want to delete this article? This process cannot be undone and is permanent.
Contact Us
Send to a Friend
Comments
There are no comments.