What factor affects the resistance of a material?

The temperature of a substance significantly affects its electrical resistance due to the behavior of atoms and electrons within the material. As temperature increases, the atoms in the lattice structure of the material vibrate more intensely, which can impede the flow of electrons. This increased vibration creates more collisions between moving electrons and the atoms, resulting in higher resistance. In contrast, when the temperature decreases, atom movement slows down, allowing electrons to flow more freely, which typically results in lower resistance. This relationship is particularly important in conductors, where higher temperatures often lead to increased resistance, while in semiconductors, the effect can vary based on the material's properties.

Other factors, such as the material's density, size, and color, do not have a direct correlation with resistance in the same manner. While size can influence resistance in specific geometries, temperature has a more universally accepted and quantifiable impact across different materials.