Atomic Theory + Resistance?

[Embermage]

I have a problem in my book, "Using the atomic theory of matter, explain why the resistance of a material should increase as its temperature increases".

I can't think of one way that the two relate, but that could be because I don't fully understand what resistance is (on a molecular level). Could anyone help me out? Thanks!

[Doc Al]

I can't think of one way that the two relate, but that could be because I don't fully understand what resistance is (on a molecular level).
Yes, you'll have to read up on the microscopic details of resistivity.

In a nutshell, what happens is this. When a voltage is imposed on a resistor, an electric field is created inside it. This electric field accelerates the electrons, which are bouncing all over due to random thermal motion, giving them a small drift speed. This drift speed, which gives rise to the current in the wire, depends on the average time between collisions for the electrons. The more collisions--the shorter time between collisions--the harder it is to create a current. (Less current = more resistance.)

By heating the resistor you increase the random motion of the electrons and lattice atoms, increasing the collision rate, and increasing the resistance.

I hope this helps a little.