1. What is Resistivity?

Resistivity (ρ) is a fundamental property of materials that quantifies how strongly they oppose the flow of electric current. It is the reciprocal of conductivity (σ), which measures a material's ability to conduct electric current.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the resistivity formula:

Where:

• \( \rho \) — Resistivity (ohm·m)
• \( \sigma \) — Conductivity (S/m)

Explanation: The equation shows the inverse relationship between conductivity and resistivity. Materials with high conductivity have low resistivity and vice versa.

3. Importance of Resistivity Calculation

Details: Resistivity is crucial for designing electrical circuits, selecting materials for wiring and insulation, and understanding the electrical properties of semiconductors and other materials.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter conductivity in siemens per meter (S/m). The value must be greater than 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are typical resistivity values?
A: Conductors (like copper) have very low resistivity (10^-8 ohm·m), while insulators (like glass) can have resistivity as high as 10¹⁶ ohm·m.

Q2: How does temperature affect resistivity?
A: For conductors, resistivity increases with temperature. For semiconductors, resistivity typically decreases with temperature.

Q3: What's the difference between resistance and resistivity?
A: Resistivity is an intrinsic material property, while resistance depends on both resistivity and the object's dimensions (length and cross-sectional area).

Q4: Why is resistivity important in material science?
A: It helps classify materials as conductors, semiconductors, or insulators, and is crucial for electronic device design.

Q5: What units are used for resistivity?
A: The SI unit is ohm-meter (Ω·m), though ohm-centimeter (Ω·cm) is also commonly used (1 Ω·m = 100 Ω·cm).