Electrical Engineering

Electrical Resistance

Definition

The opposition to current flow in an electrical circuit, measured in ohms (Ω). Resistance depends on material resistivity (ρ), conductor length (L), and cross-sectional area (A): R = ρL/A.

Practical Note

Copper has low resistance (~1.7×10⁻⁸ Ω·m), making it ideal for wiring. Resistance increases with temperature for metals. A 10 AWG copper wire has about 1 Ω per 1000 ft.

Related Calculators

Related Terms