Why does resistance increase with temperature?

So, when an electrical charge passes through a resistor, some of that electrical energy is transferred into heat, increasing the temperature. This extra energy causes the particles in the resistor to vibrate more. With these particles moving more, it is more difficult to for the electrons to move through the resistor. This means the current can't flow as easily and the resistance increases. 

FF
Answered by Fergus F. Physics tutor

51972 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

explain the relationship between resistance and voltage in a filament lamp


Explain why a smoke alarm works by emitting and detecting alpha radiation instead of gamma or beta radiation.


what are the energy changes when a car rolls from the top of a hill to the bottom? Name two forces that would slow the acceleration of the car?


I throw a ball straight up with an initial velocity of 2m/s. How high is it after a fifth of a second?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning