Why do resistivity and conductivity change with temperature?

In summary, the resistivity of a metal increases with an increase in temperature due to an increase in collisions between charges and ions or other electrons, resulting in energy loss. On the other hand, the conductivity of a semiconductor increases with an increase in temperature as it excites more electrons into the conduction band, creating more available charge carriers and decreasing resistance. For a more detailed explanation, please refer to the provided link.
  • #1
jawad hussain
6
1
why resistivity of a metal increases with increase of temperature and conductivity of a semiconductor increases with increase in temperature??​
 
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  • #2
The simple explanation is that in conductors an increase in temperature increases the chance that a charge will collide with ions or other electrons and lose energy. In semiconductors increasing the temperature increases the number of available charge carriers by exciting electrons into the conduction band. This puts more electrons in the conduction band and leaves behind a hole, both of which decrease the resistance of the semiconductor.

For a much more detailed explanation, see here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_resistivity_and_conductivity#Temperature_dependence
 
  • #3
Got it...Thanks
 

Related to Why do resistivity and conductivity change with temperature?

What is resistivity?

Resistivity is a measure of a material's ability to resist the flow of electric current. It is represented by the Greek letter rho (ρ) and is measured in ohm-meters (Ω·m).

What factors affect resistivity?

The resistivity of a material is affected by its temperature and composition. Generally, materials with a higher temperature or a higher concentration of impurities have a higher resistivity.

How is resistivity related to conductivity?

Resistivity and conductivity are inversely related. Conductivity is a measure of a material's ability to conduct electric current, and it is equal to the reciprocal of resistivity (σ = 1/ρ). This means that materials with a high resistivity have a low conductivity, and vice versa.

What is the unit of conductivity?

The unit of conductivity is siemens per meter (S/m). This unit is equivalent to the reciprocal of the ohm-meter (Ω^-1·m^-1) and is used to measure the conductivity of a material.

How is resistivity measured?

Resistivity is typically measured using a four-point probe method. This involves passing a known current through the material using two outer probes, while the voltage is measured using two inner probes. The resistivity can then be calculated using Ohm's law (ρ = V/I).

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