1. What is Resistivity?

Resistivity is the measure of how strongly a material opposes the flow of current through them. It's a fundamental property that determines how well a material conducts electricity.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( \rho \) — Resistivity (Ω·m)
• \( P_{loss} \) — Line Losses (Watt)
• \( A \) — Area of Overhead AC Wire (m²)
• \( I \) — Current Overhead AC (Ampere)
• \( L \) — Length of Overhead AC Wire (Meter)

Explanation: This formula calculates the resistivity of the wire material based on power losses, cross-sectional area, current, and length of the wire.

3. Importance of Resistivity Calculation

Details: Calculating resistivity is crucial for designing efficient electrical systems, selecting appropriate materials for wiring, and minimizing energy losses in power transmission.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter line losses in watts, area in square meters, current in amperes, and length in meters. All values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the typical resistivity range for common conductors?
A: Copper has resistivity of about 1.68×10⁻⁸ Ω·m, aluminum about 2.82×10⁻⁸ Ω·m, and silver about 1.59×10⁻⁸ Ω·m at 20°C.

Q2: How does temperature affect resistivity?
A: For most conductors, resistivity increases with temperature. The relationship is approximately linear for small temperature changes.

Q3: Why is the factor of 2 in the denominator?
A: The factor of 2 accounts for the two current-carrying conductors in a single-phase three-wire system.

Q4: What units should be used for accurate calculations?
A: Use consistent SI units: watts for power, square meters for area, amperes for current, and meters for length to get resistivity in Ω·m.

Q5: Can this formula be used for DC systems?
A: Yes, the same formula applies to DC systems as the relationship between power loss, current, and resistance is the same.