Verified Solution Science Electricity

How is the resistivity of alloys compared with those of pure metals from which they may have been formed?

537 views 63 helpful Updated May 31, 2025
Solution ✔ Verified
Answer

The resistivity of alloys is generally higher than that of the pure metals from which they are made.

Why?

  • In alloys, different types of atoms are mixed.
  • These atoms disturb the regular structure of the metal lattice.
  • This scatters electrons more, making it harder for electric current to flow.
  • As a result, resistance increases, and hence resistivity is higher.

Example:

  • Pure copper has low resistivity (good conductor).
  • An alloy like nichrome (nickel + chromium) has much higher resistivity.
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