Temporary behavior of 'persistent' current in normal rings

Abstract

In equilibrium, the number of conduction electrons in a solid substance depends on the conformation of the atoms in the substance. When a magnetic field is applied, it takes time for the system to come to a new equilibrium with a new conformation. During such times, current may flow. But, unless superconduction is involved, the new equilibrium contains no current. It is shown that the transitory currents are consistent with experiments involving magnetization of small rings at low temperatures.