2020 Current ElectricityTemperature Dependence of Resistivity Medium Question 1 of 3 in Temperature Dependence of Resistivity

The solids which have the negative temperature coefficient of resistance are:

A insulators only
B semiconductors only
C insulators and semiconductors
D metals

The answer is C.

Solution

For metals, the temperature coefficient of resistance is positive (resistance increases with temperature). For insulators and semiconductors, it is negative (resistance decreases with temperature). So insulators and semiconductors have a negative temperature coefficient of resistance.

Concept negative temperature coefficient of resistance

Temperature Dependence of Resistivity in past papers

3 questions from this chapter have appeared across 2 exam years.