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"resistance" vs "resistivity"

Both 'resistance' and 'resistivity' are correct terms, but they are used in different contexts in physics. 'Resistance' refers to the measure of opposition to the flow of electric current, while 'resistivity' is a property of a material that quantifies how strongly it resists the flow of electric current. They are not interchangeable as 'resistance' is a property of an object, while 'resistivity' is an intrinsic property of the material itself.

Last Updated: March 24, 2024

resistance

The term 'resistance' is correct and commonly used in physics to refer to the measure of opposition to the flow of electric current.

Use 'resistance' when referring to the measure of opposition to the flow of electric current in a circuit or material.

Examples:

  • The resistance of the wire is too high for the current to flow efficiently.
  • Increasing the resistance in the circuit will reduce the current flow.

Alternatives:

  • impedance
  • ohmic resistance
  • electrical resistance
  • thermal resistance
  • mechanical resistance

resistivity

The term 'resistivity' is correct and commonly used in physics to refer to the intrinsic property of a material that quantifies how strongly it resists the flow of electric current.

Use 'resistivity' when referring to the intrinsic property of a material that determines its resistance to the flow of electric current.

Examples:

  • The resistivity of copper is lower than that of iron.
  • The resistivity of a material is measured in ohm-meters.

Alternatives:

  • electrical resistivity
  • specific resistance
  • volume resistivity
  • thermal resistivity
  • material resistivity

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