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Resistivity Formula:
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Material resistivity (ρ) is an intrinsic property that quantifies how strongly a material opposes the flow of electric current. It's measured in ohm-meters (Ω·m) and depends on the material's composition and temperature.
The calculator uses the resistivity formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula calculates the intrinsic resistivity of a material by relating its measured resistance to its geometric dimensions.
Details: Resistivity calculation is essential for material characterization, electrical engineering design, selecting appropriate materials for specific applications, and quality control in manufacturing.
Tips: Enter resistance in ohms (Ω), cross-sectional area in square meters (m²), and length in meters (m). All values must be positive numbers greater than zero.
Q1: What's the difference between resistance and resistivity?
A: Resistance depends on both material properties and geometry, while resistivity is an intrinsic property independent of the object's size and shape.
Q2: What are typical resistivity values for common materials?
A: Conductors like copper have low resistivity (~1.68×10⁻⁸ Ω·m), semiconductors like silicon have moderate values, and insulators like glass have very high resistivity (>10¹² Ω·m).
Q3: How does temperature affect resistivity?
A: For most metals, resistivity increases with temperature, while for semiconductors, it generally decreases with temperature.
Q4: What are the SI units for resistivity?
A: The standard SI unit is ohm-meter (Ω·m), though ohm-centimeter (Ω·cm) is also commonly used in some applications.
Q5: Why is resistivity important in material selection?
A: Resistivity determines whether a material is suitable as a conductor, semiconductor, or insulator for specific electrical applications.