As the temperature of a Thermistor rises, the resistance does what?

When a thermistor experiences an increase in temperature, its resistance decreases. This behavior is characteristic of thermistors, particularly negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistors, which are commonly used in various applications, including temperature sensing and control systems.

The fundamental principle behind this phenomenon lies in the material properties of the thermistor. As the temperature rises, the increase in thermal energy causes more charge carriers (electrons) to be available for conduction. Consequently, the overall resistance of the material decreases. This relationship allows thermistors to be effective in measuring temperature changes; as the ambient temperature increases, the falling resistance can be monitored through an appropriate circuit to provide an accurate temperature reading.

Understanding this property is essential for effectively using thermistors in applications such as HVAC systems, appliances, and electronic devices, where precise temperature readings and control are necessary.