Difference Between Resistance and Resistivity

In difference Between Resistance and Resistivity, Resistance is defined as the property of the conductor which opposes the flow of electric current whereas Resistivity is defined as the resistance offered by the material per unit length for unit cross-section. Below the detailed comparison and differences between resistivity and resistance.

Resistance: 

• Resistance is the physical property of a substance because of which it opposes the flow of current i.e. electrons.
• Resistance is directly proportional to the length and temperature while it is inversely proportional to the cross-sectional area of the material.
• Symbol of resistance is 'R'
• Formula of Resistance is: R = V/I or, R = ρ(L/A)
• V = Voltage, I = Current, ρ = Resistivity
• The SI unit of resistance is Ohms
• The property of resistance is used in several places like heaters, fuses, sensors, etc.

Resistivity:

• Resistivity is the physical property of a particular substance which is having particular dimensions.
• Resistivity is only proportional to the nature and temperature of the particular material.
• Symbol of Resistivity is 'ρ'
• Formula of Resistivity is: ρ = (R×A)/L [R = Resistance, L= Length, A = Cross-sectional area]
• The SI unit of resistivity is Ohms-meter.
• Electrical resistivity measurement is used as a quality control test for calcareous soil.

Note: These were the main resistance and resistivity differences that are crucial to understand. Questions based on resistivity and resistance are common in most exams and so, it is important to be thorough with these comparisons.