temperaturecoefficient

The temperature coefficient describes how a physical property of a material or device changes with temperature. It is typically expressed as the change in the property per unit change in temperature. For instance, in electrical components like resistors, the temperature coefficient of resistance indicates how much the resistance value will increase or decrease for every degree Celsius (or Kelvin) change in temperature. A positive temperature coefficient means the property increases with temperature, while a negative coefficient signifies a decrease. Materials with a very low temperature coefficient are desirable in applications where stable performance is critical, such as in precision instruments or standard resistors. Conversely, materials with a significant temperature coefficient might be used in temperature sensors or thermal switches. The units of the temperature coefficient depend on the property being measured, but it is often expressed as parts per million per degree Celsius (ppm/°C) or as a percentage per degree Celsius (%/°C). Understanding the temperature coefficient is crucial for predicting and managing the behavior of materials and devices across varying thermal conditions.