Question

What does the temperature coefficient of resistivity, denoted by \(\alpha\), measure?

Options

• The resistivity at the reference temperature

• The fractional change in resistivity per degree change in temperature in the linear range

• The number density of free electrons in a material

• The total change in resistance per unit length

Answer 1

The temperature coefficient of resistivity measures the fractional change in resistivity per degree change in temperature. This definition applies in the linear range.