The resistivity of a material is dependent on which of the following factors?

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (A) Temperature.

• The resistivity of a material is primarily dependent on its temperature.
• For most materials, resistivity increases with temperature, as increased thermal energy causes more frequent collisions of charge carriers (electrons) with atoms, hindering their flow.

Explanation of other options:

• Length : Resistivity is an intrinsic property of the material and does not depend on the length of the material; resistance depends on length, but not resistivity.
• Resistance : Resistivity is not directly influenced by resistance, as it is a material-specific property, whereas resistance depends on resistivity, length, and cross-sectional area.
• Area of cross-section : Similar to length, the area affects resistance but not the intrinsic resistivity of the material.

Key Formula: The relationship between resistance, resistivity, length, and cross-sectional area is given by:

$$R=ρ\frac{L}{A}$$​

Where:

• R is resistance,
• ρ is resistivity,
• L is the length of the conductor,
• A is the cross-sectional area.

Resistivity (ρ) itself is independent of L and A but is influenced by temperature and the material's properties.