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Resistivity Formula:
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Resistivity is a fundamental property of materials that quantifies how strongly they oppose electric current. Copper has low resistivity, making it an excellent conductor widely used in electrical wiring and electronics.
The calculator uses the resistivity formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula calculates the intrinsic resistivity of copper based on measured resistance and physical dimensions of a copper sample.
Details: Knowing copper's resistivity is essential for designing electrical systems, selecting appropriate wire gauges, calculating power losses, and ensuring efficient energy transmission.
Tips: Enter resistance in ohms (Ω), cross-sectional area in square meters (m²), and length in meters (m). All values must be positive and non-zero for accurate calculation.
Q1: What is the typical resistivity of copper?
A: Pure copper at 20°C has a resistivity of approximately 1.68 × 10⁻⁸ Ω·m, but this varies with temperature and purity.
Q2: How does temperature affect copper resistivity?
A: Copper resistivity increases with temperature due to increased atomic vibrations that scatter electrons, following the relationship ρ = ρ₀[1 + α(T - T₀)].
Q3: Why is copper preferred for electrical wiring?
A: Copper has low resistivity, high ductility, good thermal conductivity, and excellent corrosion resistance, making it ideal for electrical applications.
Q4: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation provides theoretical resistivity based on input measurements. Actual values may vary due to material impurities, temperature, and measurement accuracy.
Q5: Can this calculator be used for other materials?
A: While the formula applies to all materials, this calculator is specifically designed for copper. Different materials have different resistivity values and temperature coefficients.