Brian Josephson — Questions and answers
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What amazing thing did Brian Josephson predict about a 'supercurrent'?
Choices
- It could quantum tunnel across a thin barrier. ✓
- It would get stuck and stop flowing.
- It would turn into liquid helium.
- It could make things invisible.
Answer: It could quantum tunnel across a thin barrier.
From page 1
What new question did Brian Josephson ask about supercurrents?
Choices
- Could Cooper pairs tunnel through a thick metal block?
- Could a supercurrent tunnel without any voltage applied? ✓
- Could Cooper pairs stop tunneling if it was too cold?
- Could a supercurrent make a lightbulb brighter?
Answer: Could a supercurrent tunnel without any voltage applied?
From page 4
According to the DC Josephson effect, how can a supercurrent flow across a junction?
Choices
- Only if a very high voltage is applied.
- Only if the junction is extremely hot.
- Even without an applied voltage. ✓
- Only if the junction is made of wood.
Answer: Even without an applied voltage.
From page 5
What happens in the AC Josephson effect if a voltage is applied across the junction?
Choices
- The supercurrent stops flowing completely.
- The supercurrent oscillates at a precise frequency. ✓
- The junction instantly melts.
- The supercurrent becomes invisible.
Answer: The supercurrent oscillates at a precise frequency.
From page 6
Who confirmed Josephson's predictions experimentally?
Choices
- Heike Kamerlingh Onnes in 1911.
- Leo Esaki and Ivar Giaever.
- Philip Anderson and John Rowell. ✓
- Only Brian Josephson himself.
Answer: Philip Anderson and John Rowell.
From page 7
What does Brian Josephson's legacy remind us about theoretical predictions?
Choices
- They are only useful for students.
- They can reshape physics and power future innovations. ✓
- They are always impossible to prove.
- They only apply to very large objects.
Answer: They can reshape physics and power future innovations.
From page 10