Conductivity to Resistance Formula:
From: | To: |
The Conductivity to Resistance formula calculates the electrical resistance of a material based on its conductivity, length, and cross-sectional area. It's fundamental in electrical engineering and materials science.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The resistance is directly proportional to the length of the conductor and inversely proportional to both its conductivity and cross-sectional area.
Details: Accurate resistance calculation is crucial for designing electrical circuits, selecting appropriate materials, and predicting system performance.
Tips: Enter length in meters, conductivity in Siemens per meter (S/m), and cross-sectional area in square meters (m²). All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What's the difference between conductivity and resistivity?
A: Conductivity (σ) is the inverse of resistivity (ρ). The formula can also be written as R = ρL/A.
Q2: What are typical conductivity values?
A: Silver has ~63 × 10⁶ S/m, copper ~59 × 10⁶ S/m, while insulators like glass have ~10⁻¹² S/m.
Q3: Does temperature affect conductivity?
A: Yes, for metals conductivity decreases with temperature, while for semiconductors it increases.
Q4: Can I use this for non-uniform materials?
A: This formula assumes uniform material properties. For non-uniform materials, integration may be needed.
Q5: What about AC resistance?
A: This calculates DC resistance. AC resistance may differ due to skin effect and other factors.