Important for
Prelims: Science & Technology
Mains: General Studies III
What is in the News?
- Korean researchers claim to have developed a superconductor named LK-99 that operates at room temperature and ambient pressure, a significant breakthrough in the field of physics.
- If validated, this discovery could revolutionize various industries, including computing.
More About this Discovery
- Superconductors are materials that transmit electricity with nearly 100% efficiency and have various practical applications, such as in MRI machines and magnetic levitation trains.
- Room-temperature superconductors would have numerous benefits, including reducing the cost of electricity grids, computer chips, maglev train magnets, energy storage devices, and fusion reactors by saving on coolant expenses.
Boost to Quantum Computing
- Superconductors are essential for quantum computing, where quantum bits (qubits) process information simultaneously, providing immense computational power.
- Currently, physical qubits require super-cooling to avoid errors, but room-temperature superconductors could eliminate the need for elaborate cooling systems, making quantum computing more practical and accessible.
Practice Questions for Prelims
Mains Practice Question
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