For a metal at room temperature the temperature coefficient of resistivity is determined primarily by:
A)the number of electrons in the conduction band
B)the number of impurity atoms
C)the binding energy of outer shell electrons
D)collisions between conduction electrons and atoms
E)none of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The temperature coefficient of resistivity is primarily determined by collisions between conduction electrons and atoms in the metal at room temperature, thus option (D) is the correct answer. The increase in temperature causes the atoms to vibrate with more amplitude which in turn causes more collisions and hence more resistance. The number of electrons in the conduction band, the number of impurity atoms, and the binding energy of outer shell electrons may have an effect on the resistivity of the metal, but they are not the primary factors affecting the temperature coefficient of resistivity.

For a Metal at Room Temperature the Temperature Coefficient of Resistivity