Resistance Formula:
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The conversion from conductivity to resistance is a fundamental calculation in electrical engineering and materials science. It relates a material's ability to conduct electric current to its opposition to current flow.
The calculator uses the resistance formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula shows that resistance is inversely proportional to conductivity and directly proportional to the length-to-area ratio of the conductor.
Details: Accurate resistance calculation is crucial for designing electrical circuits, selecting appropriate materials, and predicting system performance.
Tips: Enter conductivity in S/m, length in meters, and cross-sectional area in m². All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What's the difference between conductivity and resistivity?
A: Conductivity (σ) is the reciprocal of resistivity (ρ). Conductivity measures how well a material conducts current, while resistivity measures how strongly it resists current flow.
Q2: What are typical conductivity values?
A: Silver has about 63 × 10⁶ S/m, copper 59.6 × 10⁶ S/m, while insulators like glass may have 10⁻¹² S/m or less.
Q3: How does temperature affect conductivity?
A: For metals, conductivity decreases with temperature. For semiconductors, it typically increases with temperature.
Q4: Can this formula be used for any material?
A: The formula applies to homogeneous, isotropic materials with uniform cross-section. Special cases may require modifications.
Q5: What if my conductor isn't a simple shape?
A: For complex geometries, you may need to use numerical methods or divide the conductor into simpler sections.