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Conductivity To Resistivity Formula:
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The conversion between conductivity (σ) and resistivity (ρ) is a fundamental relationship in electrical engineering and materials science. Resistivity is the reciprocal of conductivity, providing a measure of how strongly a material opposes the flow of electric current.
The calculator uses the simple formula:
Where:
Explanation: This inverse relationship means that materials with high conductivity have low resistivity, and vice versa.
Details: Resistivity is a crucial property for selecting materials in electrical applications, designing circuits, and understanding material behavior in various environments. It helps engineers choose appropriate materials for conductors, insulators, and semiconductors.
Tips: Enter conductivity value in Siemens per meter (S/m). The value must be greater than zero. The calculator will automatically compute the corresponding resistivity in Ohm-meters (Ω·m).
Q1: What are typical conductivity values for common materials?
A: Silver has the highest conductivity (~6.3×10⁷ S/m), while rubber has very low conductivity (~10⁻¹⁵ S/m). Copper is commonly used with conductivity of ~5.96×10⁷ S/m.
Q2: How does temperature affect conductivity and resistivity?
A: For metals, conductivity decreases (resistivity increases) with temperature. For semiconductors, conductivity increases with temperature.
Q3: What's the difference between resistance and resistivity?
A: Resistivity is an intrinsic property of a material, while resistance depends on both the material's resistivity and its dimensions (length and cross-sectional area).
Q4: Why is silver a better conductor than copper?
A: Silver has more free electrons per atom and fewer collisions during electron flow, resulting in higher conductivity and lower resistivity.
Q5: What units are used for conductivity and resistivity?
A: Conductivity is measured in Siemens per meter (S/m), while resistivity is measured in Ohm-meters (Ω·m).