Low temperatures (Cryogenics) find application in

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Q: 126 (IAS/1999)
Low temperatures (Cryogenics) find application in

question_subject: 

Science & Technology

question_exam: 

IAS

stats: 

0,67,136,67,11,46,79

keywords: 

{'cryogenics': [0, 1, 0, 0], 'low temperatures': [0, 1, 1, 2], 'magnetic levitation': [0, 1, 0, 0], 'space travel': [0, 1, 1, 0], 'telemetry': [0, 1, 0, 0], 'application': [0, 1, 1, 3]}

Low temperatures (Cryogenics) find application in space travel, surgery, and magnetic levitation.

Cryogenics is the branch of science that deals with the production and behavior of materials at very low temperatures. It involves the study of the properties of materials and systems at temperatures below -150°C (-238°F) or even lower. Cryogenic temperatures offer unique properties and open up various applications in different fields. Among the applications, three major areas where cryogenics find significant use are:

1. Space travel: Cryogenics is crucial for space exploration and rocket propulsion. The use of cryogenic fuels, such as liquid hydrogen (LH2) and liquid oxygen (LOX), in rocket engines provides high energy density and efficient propulsion. These fuels are stored and used at extremely low temperatures to achieve better performance and efficiency in space missions.

2. Surgery: Cryogenics has applications in medical procedures and surgeries. Cryosurgery, also known as cryoablation, involves the use of extremely low temperatures to destroy abnormal or diseased tissue. Cryosurgery is used in various medical specialties, including dermatology, oncology, and ophthalmology, for the treatment of skin lesions, tumors, and retinal detachments, among other conditions.

3. Magnetic levitation: Cryogenics is essential for the operation of superconducting magnets used in magnetic levitation (Maglev) technology. Superconductors, materials that exhibit zero electrical resistance at low temperatures, are employed in Maglev trains and magnetic levitation devices. By cooling the superconducting magnets to cryogenic temperatures, they can generate strong magnetic fields and levitate objects, allowing for frictionless transportation and precise positioning.

While telemetry (remote measurement and transmission of data) is not directly linked to cryogenics, it is possible that cryogenic systems or components are used in telemetry applications, such as in the design and operation of high-performance sensors or communication systems.