The relationship between conductor resistance and temperature is described by the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR), which is a characteristic property of a material. The TCR indicates how much the resistance of a material changes in response to a change in temperature.
In general, as the temperature of a conductor increases, its resistance tends to increase as well. This relationship can be expressed mathematically using the following formula:
R2 = R1 * (1 + α * (T2 - T1))
Where:
R1 is the initial resistance of the conductor at temperature T1,
R2 is the new resistance of the conductor at temperature T2,
α (alpha) is the temperature coefficient of resistance,
T1 is the initial temperature in Kelvin (K),
T2 is the new temperature in Kelvin (K).
The temperature coefficient of resistance, α, is usually given in units of per degree Celsius (°C^-1) or per Kelvin (K^-1). Different materials have different temperature coefficients, and it's important to note that the relationship between resistance and temperature might not be linear over a wide temperature range. Some materials have a positive temperature coefficient, meaning their resistance increases with temperature, while others may have a negative temperature coefficient, where resistance decreases with temperature.
It's essential to consider the TCR of a material when designing and using electrical components, as changes in resistance due to temperature fluctuations can impact the performance and reliability of electronic devices, circuits, and systems.