Question

With reference to the internal structure of a copper wire, explain why the resistance of the wire increases as its temperature increases.

Answer 1

Copper is the best conductor of electricity which allows free flow of electrons but it is found that the thermal conductivity of pure copper is 386.00 W/(m·K) at 20 degrees Celsius. From this we can understand that the heat passes quickly through the metal. This is because of close lattice structure of the copper atoms that vibrate more as the temperature rises, transferring heat internally. So this will result into positive temperature coefficient of the copper which states that the increase in temperature results in increase in resistance of copper