What is the difference between resistance and resistivity ?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the distinction between electric resistance and resistivity, exploring their definitions and interrelations in the context of materials and shapes. Participants examine how resistivity influences resistance based on the geometry of the material.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that electric resistance is directly proportional to the length of a material and inversely proportional to its cross-sectional area, while resistivity is treated as a constant that influences conductivity.
  • Another participant explains that resistivity is a property of the material that determines resistance once the shape is defined, suggesting that different materials (with different resistivities) will yield different resistances if shaped identically.
  • Several participants reference external resources to support their explanations, indicating a desire for further understanding of the concepts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There appears to be a general agreement on the definitions of resistance and resistivity, but the discussion does not reach a consensus on deeper implications or applications of these concepts.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the relationship between shape, material properties, and resistance may not be fully explored, and the discussion relies on external resources for additional context.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students or individuals seeking clarification on the concepts of resistance and resistivity in electrical engineering or physics.

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What is the difference between resistance and resistivity ??

I have studied that the electric resistance is directly proportional to length of material and inversely proportional to area of cross section . In this resistivity becomes constant and determines conductivity by sign "rho" . What is it exactly ??
 
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It is the property of the material that will define the resistance once the shape is known.

If you make the same shape out of another material (with different rho) the resistance will be different.
 


Antiphon said:
It is the property of the material that will define the resistance once the shape is known.

If you make the same shape out of another material (with different rho) the resistance will be different.

That is more like it .

Please do add me and can you teach me about it more if you are free ??
 
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