Visit to the 'Geo-Zentrum Zittau' in the Energy Technology Cabinet

The visit to the ETK by the “Geo-Zentrum Zittau” on November 22 was part of the event “Atoms—Building Blocks of Life.” Organized as an association and represented by Mr. Küpper, it offers various events throughout the year centered on the topic of geology. Holding the event at the ETK has become something of a tradition. The event was actually intended for young people from the region, though it also included Czech teenagers accompanied by a translator. However, the announcement in the local press also sparked the interest of many adults, so that in the end, a mixed group of about 50 visitors had to squeeze together in the ETK seminar room. The focus of the event was to be on metrological analyses of various minerals with regard to their radiation potential. Prof. Schönmuth from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering was brought on board to conduct and provide scientific support for this radiological investigation; he had prepared several interesting experiments in advance with laboratory engineer Uwe Heidrich. Since the primary target audience was German and Czech teenagers, the emphasis was placed on hands-on experiments—in keeping with the Democritan view that good learning outcomes result from action-oriented exploration. After a brief introduction to the world of atoms by Mr. Heidrich, the session immediately continued with hands-on demonstrations. Prof. Schönmuth drew deeply from his repertoire of exciting and striking examples, which naturally piqued the interest of the many young people in attendance; the more daring among them even conducted one or two experiments on their own.

Particularly fascinating was the experiment in which a high-temperature ceramic superconductor was cooled to extremely low temperatures using nitrogen (boiling point at minus 196°C) and then positioned above a magnet. The so-called superconductivity—in which electrical resistance tends toward zero—causes the superconductor to remain in a state of levitation above the magnet. Contrary to expectations, it is not completely attracted to the magnet, but rather the magnet induces electric currents in the superconducting material, which generate a kind of counter-magnetic field, resulting in this levitation state. Incidentally, this is also the operating principle of a high-temperature magnetic levitation train. Once heating occurs, this force weakens and the material is completely attracted to the magnet.

More exciting experiments with liquid nitrogen followed, capturing the attention of not only the young people.

Even toward the end of this fascinating event, many visitors’ interest remained undiminished and their thirst for knowledge was far from quenched. While the event began with a demonstration of the cloud chamber for visitors who had already arrived (the bus carrying the Czech visitors was delayed), many then took up the offer from the ETK director, Mr. Wodarczack, and enjoyed an engaging explanation of the former research reactor. The event, which lasted more than two hours, was thus a complete success for everyone involved, and some of the young people were already showing an interest in pursuing a degree in engineering. The “Geo-Zentrum Zittau” association will see this positive response as a wonderful affirmation of its work, and the university may be able to recruit new students as a result—a win-win situation and, therefore, a great success for everyone involved.