In this article an introduction to the physics of superconductors is presented. A brief historical approach and the general characteristics of the materials are developed with an emphasis on the null resistance phenomena and the ideal diamagnetic behavior of the superconductors. Quantum effects are treated qualitatively by understanding the collective-cooperative phenomena associated with the occurrence of superconductivity. The BCS theory is presented as a complete explanation of the phenomenon in metallic materials. Finally, the new ceramic compounds of critical high temperatures are treated, in particular focusing briefly on the different theoretical models proposed today.
