In a
temperature-resistance curve of a metal (such as copper) the resistance
gradually increases with the increase of temperature. Temperature has a
profound effect on resistance and hence it is important that we determine a
method to find the resistance at any temperature within the limit of
operation. Although the
temperature-resistance curve is not a straight line, we draw a best fit straight
line to find the resistance at normal operating temperature range.
Figure: Temperature-Resistance
curve of copper and inferred absolute zero temperature.
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Although the actual curve extends
to absolute zero (-273.15°C, or
0 K), the straight-line approximation is quite accurate for the normal
operating temperature range.