Electrical Conductivity
An intrinsic material property measuring its ability to conduct electric current, defined as the reciprocal of electrical resistivity.
Governing formula
σ = 1 / ρ = J / E
SI unit
S/m (Siemens per meter)
In depth
Conductivity depends on free charge carrier concentration n and electron mobility μ (σ = n e μ). In metals, conductivity decreases as temperature rises due to enhanced thermal lattice vibration scattering.
Examples in the real world
Silver possessing the highest electrical conductivity (~6.3 × 10⁷ S/m) of any metal at room temperature.