Question:medium

The solids which have negative temperature coefficient of resistance are :

Updated On: May 7, 2026
  • metals
  • insulators only
  • semiconductors only
  • insulators and semiconductors
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

The question asks about solids that have a negative temperature coefficient of resistance. Let's break down this concept to understand it better.

Temperature Coefficient of Resistance:

  • The temperature coefficient of resistance is a measure of how much a material's resistance changes with temperature.
  • A positive temperature coefficient indicates that resistance increases with an increase in temperature. This is usually seen in metals.
  • A negative temperature coefficient means that resistance decreases as temperature increases. This behavior is observed in insulators and semiconductors.

Why Insulators and Semiconductors?

  • Semiconductors: In semiconductors, as temperature increases, more charge carriers (electrons and holes) become available for conduction due to the breaking of covalent bonds. This leads to a decrease in resistance.
  • Insulators: Although insulators typically do not conduct electricity well, at increasing temperatures some insulators can begin to exhibit semiconductor-like behavior where thermal energy enables some carriers to participate in conduction.

Other Options:

  • Metals: Metals have a positive temperature coefficient of resistance because as the temperature increases, the atoms vibrate more and impede the flow of electrons, causing resistance to increase.

Thus, the materials that have a negative temperature coefficient of resistance are insulators and semiconductors.

Conclusion: The correct answer to the question is "insulators and semiconductors".

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