As temperature increases in a wire, how does the resistance change?

As temperature increases in a wire, the resistance increases due to the physical properties of conductive materials. In a conductor, such as copper or aluminum, an increase in temperature results in more vigorous movement of the atoms in the metal. This heightened atomic movement increases the likelihood that charge carriers (electrons) will collide with these atoms, leading to increased resistance to the flow of electric current.

This behavior is characterized by a positive temperature coefficient of resistance, meaning that as the temperature rises, the resistance also rises. This is a fundamental principle in materials science and electrical engineering and is crucial for understanding how circuits behave under different temperature conditions. The relationship between temperature and resistance is not simply negligible or constant; rather, it plays a significant role in the performance of electrical systems, particularly in environments subject to temperature variations.