conductansen

Conductansen is the plural form of conductans in several European languages and refers to the property of conductance in electricity. In English-language texts the corresponding quantity is conductance, denoted by G. The term derives from a root meaning to lead or bring together. In Dutch and some Scandinavian languages, conductans (singular) and conductansen (plural) are used.

Definition and units: Conductance measures how readily an electric current flows through a component or material. It is the reciprocal of resistance: G = 1/R. The SI unit is the siemens, symbol S; 1 S equals 1 ohm inverse (Ω^-1). For a homogeneous resistor with conductivity σ, length L and cross-sectional area A, conductance is given by G = σ A / L.

Circuit behavior: In parallel connections, conductances add: G_total = Σ G_i. In series connections, total resistance adds: R_total = Σ R_i, and thus G_total = 1/Σ R_i. In general, higher conductance means easier current flow through the element.

Applications and measurement: Conductance is central to circuit design, material characterization, and nanoscale electronics. It can be measured directly with conductance meters or inferred from resistance measurements via G = 1/R. At the nanoscale, conductance quantization can occur, with G ≈ n·G0, where G0 = 2e^2/h.

See also: Conductivity, Resistance, Siemens.