Definition
A number that describes how much the electrical resistance of a material changes for each one-degree change in its temperature. A positive coefficient means resistance rises as the material heats up; a negative coefficient means resistance falls as it heats up. Most metals used as conductors (such as copper) have a positive temperature coefficient of resistance, while many semiconductor and carbon-based materials have a negative one.
Plain English
It is a number that tells you how much harder or easier it becomes for electricity to flow through a material as that material gets hotter or cooler.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft electrical maintenance, wire and component specifications, and temperature-sensing circuits.
Derivation
Coefficient comes from Latin roots meaning 'working together' — it's a multiplier that links two things. Here it links temperature change to resistance change, showing how the two move together.
Why Pilots Care
Aircraft wiring and components must stay reliable through wide temperature swings; knowing this value helps predict and prevent electrical failures in flight.
Grounding Statement
As an electrical part heats up or cools down, its resistance may change in a predictable direction and amount.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as the resistance itself. It is the amount of resistance change caused by a change in temperature.
Example Sentence 1
Because copper has a positive temperature coefficient of resistance, the landing light wiring shows slightly higher resistance once the bulb has been running for a while and the wires have warmed up.
Example Sentence 2
Engineers selected wire with a low temperature coefficient of resistance to keep circuit performance steady at high altitude.