Conductivity

Intermediate

Reciprocal of resistivity.

Key relationσ = 1/ρ

σ = 1/ρ in S/m measures how readily a material conducts. Metals have high σ, insulators very low.

Worked example

Silver 6.3×10⁷ S/m.

Common mistake

Used in the Drude model.

In more detail

Conductivity σ is the reciprocal of resistivity, σ = 1/ρ. It measures how easily a material conducts electricity.

Materials scientists measure conductivity to classify metals and semiconductors.
Soil and water quality tests use conductivity measurements.
Materials scientists compare the conductivity of metals, semiconductors and insulators to classify them.

What are the units?

Siemens per metre.

Which material has the highest conductivity?

Silver, followed closely by copper.

What units is conductivity measured in?

Siemens per metre, which is the reciprocal of ohm-metres.