Home Wikituition Browse all terms Categories
Random term
Condensed Matter & Materials Physics

Superfluidity

A macroscopic quantum state of matter where a fluid flows with exactly zero viscosity and zero kinetic entropy.

Governing formula Viscosity η = 0 (Below Lambda point T_λ = 2.17 K)
SI unit K (Lambda Transition Temperature)

In depth

Discovered in Liquid Helium-4 below T_λ = 2.17 K. Superfluidity arises from Bose-Einstein condensation of Helium-4 atoms into a single macroscopic quantum wave function, enabling frictionless flow through capillary tubes and Rollin film creeping up container walls.

Examples in the real world

Liquid Helium-4 climbing container walls as a thin creeping film to empty itself.