Resistivity
Definition
Resistivity is an intrinsic property of a material that quantifies how strongly it resists the flow of electric current.
Analogy
Think of resistivity as the "stickiness" or "slipperiness" of a surface. A highly resistive material is like walking on ice with no grip, making it difficult for electrons to flow. In contrast, a low resistive material is like walking on rough sandpaper, allowing electrons to move more easily.
Related terms
Conductivity: The reciprocal of resistivity; it measures how well a material conducts electric current.
Ohm's Law: States that the current flowing through a conductor is directly proportional to the voltage applied across it and inversely proportional to its resistance.
Temperature Coefficient of Resistivity: Describes how much the resistivity changes with temperature for a given material.
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