Question #315b8

1 Answer
Mark C.
Dec 7, 2017

Resistivity is an intrinsic property. It is thus a characteristic of the material, independent of shape or size.

Explanation:

Because of this it is hard to answer properly, but I’ll try. If you understand band theory (terrifically useful and fairly simple ... see here: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/Solids/band.html) then this gives you a reasonable explanation.

It (resistivity) is defined as the electrical field strength per unit current density (#rho = epsilon/J#) i.e. field strength x unit area per unit current.

You should also look at the Wikipedia article here, which gives a much fuller explanation: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_resistivity_and_conductivity

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