Electrical resistivity is a measure of the resistance of a material to the flow of electric current. It is the property that determines how easily an electric current can pass through a material.
Electrical resistivity is measured in ohms per meter (Ω/m) or ohm-centimeters (Ω-cm). It is usually measured using a device called a resistivity meter, which applies a known voltage to a material and measures the resulting current.
The most important factor that determines the electrical resistivity of a metal is its atomic structure. Other factors include temperature, impurities, and the presence of defects or imperfections in the metal's crystal lattice.
In general, the resistivity of a metal increases as its temperature increases. This is because as the temperature rises, the atoms in the metal vibrate more, making it harder for electrons to flow through the material.
The atomic structure of a metal plays a significant role in its electrical resistivity. Metals with a more complex atomic structure, such as copper and silver, tend to have lower resistivity than metals with a simpler atomic structure, such as iron and nickel. Additionally, the presence of impurities and defects can also impact the resistivity of a metal.