Why do resistivity and conductivity change with temperature?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter jawad hussain
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Conductivity Resistivity
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The resistivity of metals increases with temperature due to a higher likelihood of charge collisions with ions and other electrons, resulting in energy loss. In contrast, the conductivity of semiconductors increases with temperature because elevated thermal energy excites electrons into the conduction band, generating more charge carriers and reducing resistance. This fundamental difference highlights the contrasting behaviors of conductors and semiconductors in response to temperature changes.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrical resistivity and conductivity
  • Basic knowledge of charge carriers in semiconductors
  • Familiarity with the concept of conduction bands
  • Awareness of temperature effects on material properties
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the temperature dependence of electrical resistivity in metals
  • Explore the role of charge carriers in semiconductor physics
  • Learn about the conduction band and valence band in semiconductors
  • Investigate practical applications of temperature effects on conductivity
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, electrical engineering, and materials science, particularly those studying the thermal properties of conductors and semiconductors.

jawad hussain
Messages
6
Reaction score
1
why resistivity of a metal increases with increase of temperature and conductivity of a semiconductor increases with increase in temperature??​
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The simple explanation is that in conductors an increase in temperature increases the chance that a charge will collide with ions or other electrons and lose energy. In semiconductors increasing the temperature increases the number of available charge carriers by exciting electrons into the conduction band. This puts more electrons in the conduction band and leaves behind a hole, both of which decrease the resistance of the semiconductor.

For a much more detailed explanation, see here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_resistivity_and_conductivity#Temperature_dependence
 
Got it...Thanks
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
5K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
872
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
16K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K