Electric conductivity refers to the ability of a material to conduct electric current. Its spelling is explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription. The first syllable "e-lek-trik" is pronounced as /ɪˈlektrɪk/ with the stress placed on the second syllable. The second syllable "con-duc-tiv-i-ty" is pronounced as /kənˌdʌktɪˈvɪtɪ/ with stress on the third syllable. The spelling of "electric conductivity" is important in the field of electrical engineering where the correct use of terminology is crucial.
Electric conductivity, also referred to as electrical conductivity or simply conductivity, is a fundamental property of materials that measures their ability to conduct electric current. It is defined as the ease with which electric charges can flow through a given material when a voltage difference is applied across it.
Electric conductivity is determined by the presence and mobility of charged particles within a material, primarily electrons and ions. Materials with high electrical conductivity have a large number of free charges that are able to move easily in response to an applied electric field. These materials are considered good conductors of electricity. Examples of excellent conductors include metals like copper and silver, as well as certain solutions and electrolytes.
In contrast, materials with low electrical conductivity have fewer free charges and exhibit resistance to the flow of electric current. Such materials are known as insulators, with rubber and plastics being common examples. Semiconductors, like silicon and germanium, have intermediate conductivity due to their unique electronic properties.
Electrical conductivity is typically expressed in siemens per meter (S/m) or its reciprocal, ohm-meters (Ω•m). It depends on numerous factors, including temperature, concentration of impurities, and the crystal structure of the material, among others. The reciprocal of electrical conductivity is resistivity, which quantifies a material's resistance to the flow of electricity. Higher conductivity equates to lower resistance and therefore more efficient transmission of electrical energy. The concept of electrical conductivity plays a fundamental role in various fields, such as electrical engineering, physics, and materials science.
The word "electric" traces back to the Latin word "electricus", which means "of amber" or "amber-like". The ancient Greeks discovered that when they rubbed amber, it attracted lightweight objects. The term "electricus" specifically referred to this property of amber, which was later recognized as electricity.
The term "conductivity" comes from the Latin word "conductus", which means "lead", "bring together", or "guide". It is derived from the prefix "con-" meaning "together" and "ducere" meaning "to lead". The concept of electrical conductivity refers to the ability of a substance to allow the flow of electric current or particles, as if leading or guiding them.
So the etymology of "electric conductivity" combines the understanding of electricity based on amber's properties and the ability of a substance to lead or guide electric current.