Resistivity

What is Resistivity?

• Resistivity is a measure of how strongly a given material opposes the flow of electric current.

• Defined as the resistance of a one-metre cube of the material.

Table of Resistivity for Common Materials

• Contains resistivity figures for various materials, especially metals used in electrical applications.

Key Facts about Resistivity

• The resistance of a conductor is typically very low and expressed in microhms (μΩ).

• Specific resistance, or resistivity, is expressed in the format μΩm.

• Example: The resistivity of copper is 0.0172 μΩm, indicating the resistance of a one-metre cube of copper.

Specific Resistance Symbol

• The specific resistance or resistivity is represented by the Greek letter rho (ρ).

Resistance Calculation

• The resistance of a conductor can be calculated using the formula:

  • R = ρ × (L/A)

  • Where R is resistance, ρ is resistivity, L is length, and A is cross-sectional area.