What happens to resistance as the temperature of a conductor increases?

As the temperature of a conductor increases, the resistance increases due to the heightened vibrations of the atomic lattice structure within the material. In simple terms, as temperature rises, the atoms in the conductor vibrate more vigorously, which interferes with the flow of electrons. This increased atomic movement leads to more collisions between electrons and the vibrating atoms, resulting in a higher resistance.

This phenomenon is particularly significant in metallic conductors like copper and aluminum, which are commonly used in the electrical trade. The relationship between temperature and resistance in conductors is a fundamental concept expressed by the mathematical equation for resistivity. The increase in resistance with temperature can be quantitatively assessed using the temperature coefficient of resistance, which indicates how much the resistance changes with each degree of temperature change.

Understanding this principle is crucial for linemen and electrical professionals when designing and maintaining electrical systems, as resistance can impact performance and safety in power transmission.