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Resistivity Formula:
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Electrical resistivity (ρ) is a fundamental property that quantifies how strongly a material opposes the flow of electric current. It is the inverse of electrical conductivity (σ), which measures how well a material conducts electricity.
The calculator uses the resistivity formula:
Where:
Explanation: This inverse relationship means that materials with high conductivity have low resistivity, and vice versa. The formula provides a direct mathematical conversion between these two fundamental electrical properties.
Details: Calculating resistivity from conductivity is essential in materials science, electrical engineering, and electronics design. It helps in selecting appropriate materials for specific applications, designing electrical components, and understanding material behavior under electrical stress.
Tips: Enter conductivity value in siemens per meter (S/m). The value must be greater than zero. The calculator will automatically compute the corresponding resistivity in ohm-meters (Ω·m).
Q1: What is the typical range of resistivity values?
A: Resistivity varies widely: conductors (10⁻⁸ Ω·m), semiconductors (10⁻⁵ to 10⁶ Ω·m), and insulators (10⁸ to 10¹⁸ Ω·m).
Q2: Why is resistivity temperature dependent?
A: Resistivity generally increases with temperature for conductors due to increased atomic vibrations, while it decreases for semiconductors as more charge carriers become available.
Q3: How does resistivity relate to resistance?
A: Resistance (R) = Resistivity (ρ) × Length (L) / Cross-sectional Area (A). Resistivity is an intrinsic property, while resistance depends on geometry.
Q4: What are common units for resistivity?
A: SI unit is ohm-meter (Ω·m), but ohm-centimeter (Ω·cm) and ohm-inch (Ω·in) are also used in specific applications.
Q5: When is this calculation most useful?
A: When designing electrical circuits, selecting materials for wiring, analyzing semiconductor properties, or converting between conductivity and resistivity measurements.