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The magnetic susceptibility χ for superconductors is _______.

Asked in GUJCET 2026 · Dia, para and ferromagnetism

Answer: (4) -1

Step-by-step solution

Idea: susceptibility is defined by ⃗M=χ⃗H, and inside a material ⃗B=μ₀(⃗H+⃗M)=μ₀(1+χ)⃗H.

A superconductor shows the Meissner effect: below its critical temperature the field is pushed entirely out of its interior, so ⃗B=0 inside.

Putting ⃗B=0 with ⃗H eq0 gives 1+χ=0, so χ=-1.

Equivalently ⃗M=-⃗H: the induced magnetisation cancels the applied field exactly.

So a superconductor is a perfect diamagnet, χ=-1, with relative permeability μᵣ=1+χ=0.

Why the other options are wrong

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