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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Resistance and Resistivity?

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The main difference between resistance and resistivity lies in their definitions and the factors they depend on. Here are the key differences:

  1. Definition: Resistance is the physical property of a substance that opposes the flow of current electrons, making it difficult for electric current to pass through the material. Resistivity, on the other hand, is a property of a material that indicates its ability to resist the flow of electrons.
  2. Dependence: Resistance is directly proportional to the length of the material and its temperature, while it is inversely proportional to the cross-sectional area of the material. Resistivity is only proportional to the nature and temperature of the material.
  3. Unit: The SI unit of resistance is Ohms (Ω). The SI unit of resistivity is Ohm-meters (Ω·m).
  4. Temperature: Resistance is affected by temperature, with an increase in temperature leading to an increase in resistivity. Different materials have different resistivities, and their resistivities increase with temperature.
  5. Material type: Resistance depends on the material type, length, and cross-sectional area of the material to which the current is applied. Resistivity is a property that informs about the resistance capacity of a material or object and depends on the material type.

In summary, resistance is the property of a material that opposes the flow of electric current, and it depends on factors such as length, cross-sectional area, and temperature. Resistivity, on the other hand, is a property of a material that indicates its ability to resist the flow of electrons and depends only on the nature and temperature of the material.

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  • What is the Difference Between Resistance and Resistivity?
  • Comparative Table: Resistance vs Resistivity

    • Comparative Table: Resistance vs Resistivity

    The main difference between resistance and resistivity lies in the fact that resistance is the measure of opposition offered by a conductor in the flow of electric current, while resistivity is the property of the material by virtue of which it opposes the electric current. Here is a table highlighting the differences between resistance and resistivity:

    Property Resistance Resistivity
    Definition Resistance is the measure of opposition offered by a conductor in the flow of electric current. Resistivity is the property of the material of a conductor by which it offers opposition in the flow of current.
    Alternate Name Resistance is also known as electrical friction. Resistivity is also known as specific resistance.
    Denotation Resistance is denoted by the symbol 'R'. Resistivity is denoted by the Greek letter rho 'ρ'.
    Formula Resistance is calculated using the formula: $$R = \rho \frac{L}{A}$$ where $$R$$ is resistance, $$\rho$$ is resistivity, $$L$$ is length, and $$A$$ is cross-sectional area. Resistivity is calculated using the formula: $$\rho = \frac{R \cdot A}{L}$$ where $$\rho$$ is resistivity, $$R$$ is resistance, $$L$$ is length, and $$A$$ is cross-sectional area.
    Dependence Resistance depends on the physical dimensions of the conductor, such as length and cross-sectional area, and is proportional to the temperature of the conductor. Resistivity is independent of the physical dimensions of the conductor and depends on the nature of the material and its temperature.
    Applications Resistance is used for designing various devices such as heaters, electric kettles, sensors, and various types of resistors. Resistivity is a property of materials used in various applications such as quality control, material identification, and resistance estimation.
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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.