What is Electrical Conductivity?
Electrical conductivity measures a material’s ability to conduct an electric current. In simpler terms, it describes how easily electricity can flow through a substance. Electrical conductivity is typically measured in siemens per meter (S/m). Measurement techniques for electrical conductivity include direct current (DC) methods, such as the four-probe and two-probe methods, and alternating current (AC) methods, like impedance spectroscopy and eddy current testing.
Electrical Conductivity Definition
Electrical conductivity is a measure of a material’s ability to conduct an electric current. In simpler terms, it describes how easily electricity can flow through a substance.
Electrical Conductivity Unit
The SI unit for electrical conductivity is siemens per meter (S/m). However, the ohm-1m-1 and mho/m are also used.
Electrical Conductivity Formula
Mathematically, conductivity is defined as the reciprocal of resistivity.
σ = 1/ ρ
We know the formula for resistance R=ρ(L/A), where l is the length of the conductor, A is area.
Substituting the value of ρ,
σ = L/AR
From Ohm’s law, R = V/I . Substituting the value of R,
σ = (L/A)(I/V) = (L/V)(I/A)
Rearranging, we get
I/A = V/L σ
V/L is the electric field, and I/A is the current density, denoted by J. Therefore this becomes,
J = σ E
This is the relation between current density and electric field.
From this conductivity can be defined as,
σ = J/E
where,
- J is current density
- E is electric field
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical conductivity is a fundamental property that measures a material’s ability to conduct electric current. It varies among materials and is influenced by factors such as temperature, material composition, impurities, and pressure. Electrical conductivity is typically measured in siemens per meter (S/m).
Electrical conductivity finds applications in electronics, power transmission, material science, environmental science, geology, biomedical fields, and more. In this article, we learn about electrical conductivity in detail.
Table of Content
- What is Electrical Conductivity?
- Electrical Conductivity Examples
- Electrical Conductivity of Metals
- Factors Influencing Electrical Conductivity
- How is Electrical Conductivity Measured?
- Applications of Electrical Conductivity