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vptran84
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why does the resistivity of a metal increases while the resistivity of a semiconductor decreases with an increase in temperature? thanks in advance.
vptran84 said:why does the resistivity of a metal increases while the resistivity of a semiconductor decreases with an increase in temperature? thanks in advance.
The resistivity of a metal increases with temperature because as the temperature rises, the atoms in the metal vibrate more and disrupt the flow of electrons. This increase in atomic vibrations creates more collisions between the electrons and atoms, making it more difficult for the electrons to move through the metal, resulting in a higher resistance.
Impurities in a metal, such as other elements or defects in the crystal structure, can scatter the electrons as they move through the metal. This scattering increases the resistance and therefore the resistivity of the metal.
The structure of a metal, specifically the arrangement of its atoms and the presence of defects or impurities, can affect the resistivity of the metal. A more ordered and pure structure will have less resistance and therefore a lower resistivity, while a more disordered and impure structure will have higher resistance and a higher resistivity.
The resistivity of a metal is directly proportional to its length and inversely proportional to its cross-sectional area. This means that as the cross-sectional area of a metal increases, there is more space for the electrons to flow through, resulting in a lower resistance and a lower resistivity.
Each type of metal has a different atomic structure and composition, which can affect the movement of electrons and therefore the resistivity of the metal. Some metals, such as copper and silver, have a lower resistivity due to their high conductivity, while others, like iron and tungsten, have a higher resistivity due to their lower conductivity.