What is the amount of change of resistance per unit change in temperature known as?

The amount of change of resistance per unit change in temperature is referred to as the temperature coefficient of resistance. This concept is essential in understanding how materials respond to changes in temperature, as resistance can significantly affect the performance of electrical components.

The temperature coefficient is expressed as a specific value, often in units of parts per million per degree Celsius (ppm/°C) or as a percentage per degree Celsius. A positive temperature coefficient indicates that resistance increases with temperature, which is common in conductors, while a negative temperature coefficient indicates that resistance decreases with temperature, often seen in certain materials like semiconductors.

In practical applications, knowing the temperature coefficient allows technicians to account for resistance variations in circuits that operate over a range of temperatures. This is critical for ensuring accuracy and reliability in various electronic devices.

The other options, while related to resistance and thermal properties, do not specifically describe the metric of change in resistance with temperature as the temperature coefficient does. For instance, thermal resistance refers to the resistance to heat flow rather than electrical resistance in relation to temperature changes. Knowing these distinctions helps in understanding the terminology used in electronics.