What effect does increasing the temperature of a wire typically have on its resistance?

Increasing the temperature of a wire generally causes its resistance to increase. This effect occurs because, as the temperature rises, the atoms within the wire’s material vibrate more intensely. These vibrations create greater obstacles for the flow of electrons, which is what constitutes electric current.

In a conductive material, such as copper or aluminum, this increased atomic movement interferes with the passage of electrons, thereby enhancing the resistance. This relationship between temperature and resistance can be observed in many metallic conductors, with the specific level of increase depending on the material's properties.

In summary, the phenomenon of increasing resistance with temperature is a fundamental principle in physics, particularly in the study of electrical circuits and materials.