1. What is Conductivity?

Conductivity (σ) is a measure of a material's ability to conduct electric current. It is the reciprocal of resistivity (ρ) and is expressed in siemens per meter (S/m).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the conductivity formula:

Where:

• \( \sigma \) — Conductivity (S/m)
• \( \rho \) — Resistivity (ohm m)

Explanation: The formula calculates electrical conductivity by taking the reciprocal of the material's resistivity.

3. Importance of Conductivity Calculation

Details: Conductivity measurement is essential for characterizing materials, designing electrical systems, and quality control in manufacturing processes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter resistivity in ohm meters. The value must be greater than zero to calculate conductivity.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the relationship between conductivity and resistivity?
A: Conductivity and resistivity are reciprocals of each other. Higher resistivity means lower conductivity, and vice versa.

Q2: What are typical conductivity values for common materials?
A: Silver has the highest conductivity (~6.3×10⁷ S/m), while rubber has very low conductivity (~10⁻¹⁵ S/m).

Q3: How does temperature affect conductivity?
A: For metals, conductivity decreases with increasing temperature. For semiconductors, conductivity increases with temperature.

Q4: What units are used for conductivity?
A: The SI unit is siemens per meter (S/m), but mho/cm and %IACS are also commonly used in specific industries.

Q5: Why is conductivity important in material science?
A: Conductivity helps classify materials as conductors, semiconductors, or insulators, which is fundamental to electronic device design.