Understanding Resistance and Temperature Effects in Metal Wires

[GumzyG]

Hi, can someone please explain to me what resistants is affected by in a wire and also what temperature has to do with it?

Thanks in advanced

 

[Gonzolo]

The model that is most often used to explain resistance and conductivity is called the Drude model. It's the best theory available that is totally free from quantum mechanics.

The most elementary explanation of conductivity according to the Drude model is that -charged point particles (conductive electrons) travel between +charges that make up the metal. The hotter the metal, the more the +charges take up space, because they vibrate more. Electrons thus have a harder time getting through between them -> resistance increases.

If you need more explanation, say the word, there are plenty of equations and precisions that go along with this.

 

[GumzyG]

Thanks alot, you have helped me enough!