In all metalsa)conductivity decreases with increase in temperatureb)cu...
In all metals conductivity decreases (and resistance increases) with increase in temperature.
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In all metalsa)conductivity decreases with increase in temperatureb)cu...
Conductivity Decreases with Increase in Temperature
Metal conductivity is the ease with which electric current can pass through a material. In metals, conductivity decreases with an increase in temperature due to the increased scattering of electrons by lattice vibrations. As the temperature rises, the atoms in the metal vibrate more vigorously, causing more collisions between the electrons and the atoms. These collisions impede the flow of electrons, resulting in decreased conductivity.
Current Flow by Electrons as well as by Holes
In metals, current flows primarily due to the movement of free electrons. However, in some cases, current flow can also be due to the movement of positively charged "holes," which are essentially the absence of electrons in the valence band. Both electrons and holes contribute to the overall current flow in metals.
Resistivity Decreases with Increase in Temperature
Unlike conductivity, resistivity in metals increases with an increase in temperature. This is because resistivity is the reciprocal of conductivity, and as conductivity decreases with temperature, resistivity increases. The increased scattering of electrons by lattice vibrations at higher temperatures leads to higher resistance in the material.
The Gap Between Valence and Conduction Bands is Small
In metals, the gap between the valence and conduction bands is small or non-existent. This is due to the overlapping of these bands, allowing electrons to move freely between them and contribute to the material's high conductivity. The lack of a significant energy gap between the bands is a key characteristic of metals that distinguishes them from insulators and semiconductors.
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