Temperature Coefficient of Resistance (R = R₀(1 + αΔT))
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R = R₀(1 + αΔT)
What each symbol means
| Symbol | What it stands for |
|---|---|
| R | Resistance at temperature T (Ω) |
| α | Temperature coefficient of resistance (/°C or /K) |
| ΔT | Temperature change T - T₀ (°C or K) |
| R₀ | Resistance at reference temperature T₀ (Ω) |
When to use this
α > 0 for metals (R increases with T). α < 0 for semiconductors (R decreases with T). α for Cu ≈ 3.9×10⁻³/°C. Also α = (R-R₀)/(R₀ΔT). Linear approximation valid for small ΔT.