Resistance and resistivity are related concepts in the field of physics, particularly in the study of electrical conductors. Here’s an explanation of the difference between resistance and resistivity:
Contents
Resistance
- Definition: Resistance is a measure of the opposition that a substance offers to the flow of electric current. It is a property of a specific object or material.
- Symbol: The symbol for resistance is (R).
- Unit: The unit of resistance is the ohm (symbolized as Ω)
- Factors affecting resistance: Resistance depends on the material, length, cross-sectional area, and temperature of the conductor. It is influenced by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors.
Resistivity
- Definition: Resistivity is an inherent property of a material that quantifies how strongly it resists the flow of electric current. It is a bulk property that characterizes the material itself, regardless of its size or shape.
- Symbol: The symbol for resistivity is ρ
- Unit: The unit of resistivity is ohm-meter Ω⋅m
- Factors affecting resistivity: Resistivity is primarily influenced by the type of material and its temperature. Different materials have different resistivities.
Relationship between Resistance and Resistivity:
The relationship between resistance ((R)), resistivity ρ, length ((L)), and cross-sectional area ((A)) of a conductor is given as follows:
R = ρl/A
In this equation:
- (R) is resistance.
- ρ is resistivity.
- (L) is the length of the conductor.
- (A) is the cross-sectional area of the conductor.
In summary, resistance is a property of a specific object or material, whereas resistivity is an intrinsic property of the material itself. Resistivity is a measure of how strongly a material opposes the flow of electric current, and resistance is the practical effect of that opposition in a specific object.
Tabulated comparison of Resistance vs Resistivity:
