How does temperature affect a conductor's electrical conductivity?

In conductors, electrical conductivity typically decreases with increasing temperature. This is because as temperature rises, the atoms in a conductor vibrate more vigorously. These increased vibrations create greater resistance to the flow of electrons, which are responsible for conducting electricity.

In metals, where conductivity is primarily due to the movement of free electrons, higher temperatures lead to a greater number of collisions between free electrons and the vibrating atoms, impeding their flow. Thus, the overall effect is a decline in conductivity as temperature increases.

This behavior contrasts significantly with semiconductors and insulators, where increasing temperature can enhance conductivity due to additional charge carriers being generated. Therefore, in the context of conductors, the understanding of how temperature influences electrical conductivity points to a decrease in conductivity with rising temperature.