Conductivity is a measure of a material's ability to conduct electric current. High conductivity means the material allows current to flow easily. Think of metals like copper and silver β they're excellent conductors! The symbol for conductivity is $\sigma$ (sigma).
Resistivity, on the other hand, is a measure of a material's opposition to the flow of electric current. High resistivity means the material resists the current. Think of rubber or glass β they're excellent insulators. The symbol for resistivity is $\rho$ (rho).
| Feature | Conductivity ($\sigma$) | Resistivity ($\rho$) |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | β‘ Ability to conduct electric current | π« Opposition to electric current flow |
| Symbol | $\sigma$ | $\rho$ |
| Units | Siemens per meter (S/m) | Ohm-meter (Ξ©β m) |
| Relationship | Inverse of resistivity: $\sigma = \frac{1}{\rho}$ | Inverse of conductivity: $\rho = \frac{1}{\sigma}$ |
| Good Conductors | High conductivity | Low resistivity |
| Good Insulators | Low conductivity | High resistivity |
| Temperature Dependence (Metals) | Decreases with increasing temperature | Increases with increasing temperature |
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