Resistance of Electrons in Wire: Factors & Theories

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the factors affecting electron resistance in wires, specifically referencing the formula R = ρ*(L/A). An increase in cross-sectional area decreases resistance primarily due to the greater area available for electron movement rather than an increase in free electrons. The behavior of electrons near the surface of a wire is negligible for most electronic components, and free electrons flow through the wire rather than moving from atom to atom. The concept of resistance is defined as a property of the entire material rather than individual electrons.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrical resistance and Ohm's Law
  • Familiarity with the concept of cross-sectional area in conductors
  • Knowledge of electron behavior in conductive materials
  • Basic principles of voltage and electric current flow
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the impact of cross-sectional area on resistance in different materials
  • Explore the concept of free electrons in conductors versus insulators
  • Learn about the microscopic behavior of electrons in conductive materials
  • Investigate the effects of temperature on resistance in metals
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, physics students, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of electrical resistance and electron behavior in conductive materials.

Alexander Main
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I'm not sure if this question has already been answered yet. I was curious what factors effect the resistance of electrons moving through a wire? From the formula R = p*(L/A) i see mathematically why but I'm curious to the theoretical.

Does an increase in cross sectional area decrease the resistance because there is a greater availability of free elections due to an increase in material?

Or is it the increase in area that the electrons can move through?

Do electrons behave differently near the surface of a wire versus its core?

How does a voltage potential move free electrons down the atoms in a wire? Do they move from atom to atom or flow through?

Thank you for any help or links!
 
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Resistance is a property of the whole material, there is no "resistance of electrons".
Alexander Main said:
Does an increase in cross sectional area decrease the resistance because there is a greater availability of free elections due to an increase in material?

Or is it the increase in area that the electrons can move through?
The second description is better.
Alexander Main said:
Do electrons behave differently near the surface of a wire versus its core?
If you look extremely close the surface has some effect, but for regular electronic components this is negligible.
Alexander Main said:
How does a voltage potential move free electrons down the atoms in a wire? Do they move from atom to atom or flow through?
They "flow through" in the sense that they are not bound to atoms (those that are bound do not contribute to the current).
 

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