Resistance Formula:
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The resistance calculation from resistivity determines the electrical resistance of a material based on its intrinsic resistivity, length, and cross-sectional area. This fundamental relationship helps engineers design electrical components and analyze circuit behavior.
The calculator uses the resistance formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula shows that resistance increases with length and decreases with cross-sectional area, while being directly proportional to the material's resistivity.
Details: Accurate resistance calculation is essential for designing electrical circuits, selecting appropriate wire gauges, preventing voltage drops, and ensuring proper functioning of electronic devices.
Tips: Enter resistivity in Ω·m, length in meters, and cross-sectional area in m². All values must be positive numbers greater than zero.
Q1: What is the difference between resistance and resistivity?
A: Resistance is a property of a specific object, while resistivity is an intrinsic property of the material itself, independent of shape or size.
Q2: How does temperature affect resistance?
A: For most conductors, resistance increases with temperature due to increased atomic vibrations that impede electron flow.
Q3: What are typical resistivity values for common materials?
A: Copper: 1.68×10⁻⁸ Ω·m, Aluminum: 2.82×10⁻⁸ Ω·m, Silver: 1.59×10⁻⁸ Ω·m, Iron: 1.0×10⁻⁷ Ω·m.
Q4: Why does resistance increase with length?
A: Longer conductors provide more obstacles for electrons to navigate, resulting in higher resistance to current flow.
Q5: How does cross-sectional area affect resistance?
A: Larger cross-sectional areas provide more pathways for electrons to flow, reducing resistance proportionally.