Question

Write two differences between conductance and resistance.

Hint:

Remember: Conductance (G) is simply the reciprocal of Resistance (R). $G = 1/R$. If resistance is high, conductance is low, and vice versa. The SI unit Siemens can also be written as $\Omega^{-1}$ (inverse ohm).

Answer 1

Definitions: 

 

• Resistance (R): The opposition offered by a material to the flow of electric current. It measures how much a material resists the flow of electrons.
• Conductance (G): The ease with which electric current flows through a material. It measures how easily electricity passes through a material.

Mathematical Relationship: 

$$ G = \frac{1}{R} $$ where: 

 

• $G$ = Conductance (measured in Siemens, $S$)
• $R$ = Resistance (measured in Ohms, $\Omega$)

Differences Between Conductance and Resistance: 

1. Definition and Meaning 

 

Resistance	Conductance
Resistance is the opposition to the flow of electric current.	Conductance is the ease or ability of a material to allow electric current to flow.
It indicates how difficult it is for current to pass through a  conductor.	It indicates how easy it is for current to pass through a conductor.
Higher resistance means less current flow for a given voltage.	Higher conductance means more current flow for a given voltage.

2. Unit of Measurement 

 

Resistance	Conductance
SI unit: Ohm ($\Omega$)	SI unit: Siemens ($S$)
Named after German physicist Georg Simon Ohm.	Formerly known as "mho" (ohm spelled backwards).
Symbol: $\Omega$	Symbol: $S$ or $\mho$ (inverted omega)

3. Formula 

 

Resistance	Conductance
$R = \frac{V}{I}$  (Ohm’s Law: Resistance = Voltage / Current)	$G = \frac{I}{V}$  (Conductance = Current / Voltage)
$R = \rho \frac{L}{A}$	$G = \sigma \frac{A}{L}$