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Researchers at the school of physics and astronomy at Tel Aviv University have created a track around which a superconductor (a material that is extremely efficient at transmitting electricity) can float, thanks to the phenomenon of \u201cquantum levitation \u201c.<\/p>\n
This levitation effect is explained by the Meissner effect, which describes how, when a material makes the transition from its normal to its superconducting state, it actively excludes magnetic fields from its interior, leaving only a thin layer on its surface.<\/p>\n
When a material is in its superconducting state \u2014 which involves very low temperatures \u2014 it is strongly diamagnetic. This means that when a magnetic field is externally applied, it will create an equally opposing magnetic field, locking it in place.<\/p>\n
A material called yttrium barium copper oxide can be turned into a superconductor by exposure to liquid nitrogen \u2014 which makes it one of the highest-temperature superconductors.<\/p>\n
Levitation isn\u2019t just for Houdini anymore. Could this cool new tech lead to floating alternatives to traditional gas powered vehicles? Interesting times ahead!<\/p>\n