How does temperature affect resistance in conductive materials?

Resistance in conductive materials, such as metals, typically increases with temperature due to the increase in atomic vibrations within the material. As the temperature rises, the atoms in a conductor move more vigorously, leading to more frequent collisions between the free-flowing electrons (which carry the electric current) and the vibrating atoms. This increased interaction hinders the movement of electrons, effectively increasing the resistance of the material.

This relationship between temperature and resistance is particularly prominent in conductors. While some materials, like semiconductors and insulators, exhibit a different behavior where resistance can decrease with increasing temperature, this is not the case for conductive metals. Therefore, the understanding that resistance typically increases with temperature is a key principle in the study of electrical systems and materials.