Re: Are eddy current induced in a superconductor in the same way as a conductor

Hello John,

In short, yes.  The induced current is what makes the often performed 
demonstration of the levitation of a magnet above a superconductor possible
Some nice movies of this levitation effect are shown here:


levitating magnet


The currents are produced in such a way that the field produced by the 
eddy current loops counteract the flux from the magnet.

However, a magnet being dragged parallel with and above the surface of a 
superconductor will not feel a drag force.  In fact it will move as if on 
a frictionless surface.  This is the fact taken advantage of by maglev 
trains.  A force WILL be felt if you attempt to remove the superconductor 
from the magnetic field. In this case the magnitude of the force will be 
given by an application of Lenz' Law; F= IL x B where F,L,and B are vector 
quantities. (F=Force, I=Current, L=Length of current flow, B=Magnetic 
field) Imagine that eddy currents are rectangular loops of wire in a 
magnetic field.  When the entire loop is inside the magnetic field the 
forces generated by the flowing current balance eachother. They are 
present but pointing in opposite directions.  When only one side of the 
loop is present in the magnetic field then only it's "L" produces a force, 
which tends to draw the loop back into the field.

Hope I answered your question, if not please feel free to write me or 
resubmit your question again.