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electrical resistance (R)
The extent to which an electrical conductor hinders the flow of a current. Resistance is the ratio of the potential difference across an electrical component to the current passing through it. It is measured in ohms and is represented by the symbol R. In general, the resistance of a metallic conductor increases with temperature, whereas the resistance of a semiconductor decreases with temperature. In an alternating current, resistance is the real part of the impedance.
Compare with conductance.
Related entries
• Ohm's law
• parallel circuit
• series circuit
Related category
• ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM
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