Arrange the following materials in the increasing order of their resistivities at room temperature.
(A) Germanium
(B) Copper
(C) Nichrome
(D) Fused quartz
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → (B), (C), (A), (D)
Resistivity at room temperature rises from metals (lowest), through alloys, to semiconductors, and is highest for insulators.
\( \text{(B) Copper (metal): } \rho \approx 1.7\times10^{-8}\,\Omega\,\mathrm{m} \)
\( \text{(C) Nichrome (alloy): } \rho \approx 1.0\times10^{-6}\,\Omega\,\mathrm{m} \)
\( \text{(A) Germanium (semiconductor): } \rho \approx 0.46\,\Omega\,\mathrm{m} \)
\( \text{(D) Fused quartz (insulator): } \rho \approx 10^{16}\,\Omega\,\mathrm{m} \)
Increasing order: (B), (C), (A), (D).
Note: This question is from the pre-rationalised NCERT book (2022-23). The topic was removed from the latest NCERT book (2026-27), but it is still in the CUET 2026 syllabus, so do not skip it.
NCERT (Pre-rationalised edition, 2022-23):
Resistivity of Various Materials – …
