What does a conductor's resistance to current flow depend on?

A conductor's resistance to current flow is fundamentally influenced by several factors, including the type of material it is made from, its length, its diameter, and the temperature at which it operates.

The type of material is crucial because different materials have different inherent resistivities. For instance, copper has a much lower resistivity compared to rubber, making it a preferred conductor for electrical applications.

The length of the conductor directly affects its resistance; the longer the conductor, the greater its resistance becomes. This is because electrons encounter more atoms in a longer conductor, resulting in more collisions and energy loss.

Diameter also plays an important role. A larger diameter reduces resistance, as it allows more pathways for current to flow through, reducing the overall opposition to the current.

Temperature is another significant factor. Generally, as temperature increases, the resistance of conductive materials also increases due to heightened atomic vibrations that hinder electron flow.

This combination of material properties and physical dimensions, along with temperature, provides a comprehensive picture of a conductor's resistance, highlighting why the first option accurately encompasses all relevant factors influencing resistance.