Electrical conductivity Definition and 36 Threads

Electrical resistivity (also called specific electrical resistance or volume resistivity) is a fundamental property of a material that measures how strongly it resists electric current. Its inverse, called electrical conductivity, quantifies how well a material conducts electricity. A low resistivity indicates a material that readily allows electric current. Resistivity is commonly represented by the Greek letter ρ (rho). The SI unit of electrical resistivity is the ohm-meter (Ω⋅m). For example, if a 1 m solid cube of material has sheet contacts on two opposite faces, and the resistance between these contacts is 1 Ω, then the resistivity of the material is 1 Ω⋅m.
Electrical conductivity or specific conductance is the reciprocal of electrical resistivity. It represents a material's ability to conduct electric current. It is commonly signified by the Greek letter σ (sigma), but κ (kappa) (especially in electrical engineering) and γ (gamma) are sometimes used. The SI unit of electrical conductivity is siemens per metre (S/m).

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  1. milkism

    I Do valence electrons determine electrical conductivity?

    I have trouble researching whether valence-electrons take part in electrical conductivity. Some sources say that a lower amount of valence electrons lead to an higher electrical conductivity, whilst others say the opposite. And each have their different reasons, for example, lower valence...
  2. K

    Electrical conductivity has an effect while charging by conduction?

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  3. FirewallDaProto

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  4. falsepromises

    Why is electrical conductivity denoted by G?

    I did search Wikipedia and other science related websites, couldn't find an answer. Let me know if anyone knows the story behind G.
  5. Physics lover

    Current density as a function of distance from the axis of a cylinder

    I first took out the variation of conductivity along the radius of cylinder.Also we know that J=sigmaE.Therefore i have to find variation of E also.But how will i find that as potential is also not given.Help.
  6. F

    Does chromium oxide reduce conductivity in stainless steel?

    Does chromium oxide reduce the effectiveness of a faraday cage constructed from stainless steel mesh? I am using mesh that is like insect screen for windows. It will be in moist environment. I appreciate your help!
  7. A

    Converting impedence response to electrical conductivity

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  8. doctor_cat

    Electrical conductivity of liquid argon

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  9. Cheesycheese213

    How to do electrical conductivity tests?

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  10. M

    Van der Pauw sample preparation errors

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  11. M

    How to convert electrical conductivity to pH

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  12. J

    A Where can I find data on electrical conductivity?

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  13. P

    Help with our research topic: Electrical Conductivity

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  14. J

    Electrical conductivity of SiCl4

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  15. H Smith 94

    Electrical conductivity of seawater depends on salinity how?

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  16. S

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  17. W

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  18. M

    How to test a 1.5 pound magnesium anode

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  19. spareine

    Aluminium oxide surface and conductivity?

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  20. Z

    Material with specific elec. conductivity

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  21. G

    Confusion of the electrical conductivity unit in CGS.

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  22. P

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  23. D

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  24. N

    Measuring the electrical conductivity of the atmosphere

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  25. M

    [Electromagnetic Fields] Electrical conductivity of a material

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  26. D

    Electrical conductivity of magnets

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  27. E

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  28. Y

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  29. S

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  30. P

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  31. J

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  32. H

    How Does Electrical Conductivity Behave in Non-Uniform Conductors?

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  33. Y

    What does the electrical conductivity of the elements depends from?

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  34. G

    Is there any way I can differentiate electrical conductivity?

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  35. X

    Help: Sensor Design - to measure Electrical Conductivity

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  36. J

    What factors affect the temperature dependence of electrical conductivity?

    How do you with a simple model explain the temperature dependence of the electrical conductivity. If you use the Drude model you get for the electrical conductivity sigma = ne^2t / m where n is the density of mobile electrons and t is the relaxation time. t is the time between...
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