Specific resistance of a wire depends on its

Options

A. mass
B. length
C. area of cross-section
D. none of the above

Explanation

To determine what the specific resistance (or resistivity) of a wire depends on, we can analyze the relationship between resistance, length, area, and resistivity.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Resistance**:
The resistance \( R \) of a wire can be expressed using the formula:
\[ R = \rho \frac{L}{A} \]
where:
- \( R \) = resistance
- \( \rho \) = specific resistance (or resistivity)
- \( L \) = length of the wire
- \( A \) = cross-sectional area of the wire

2. **Identifying Specific Resistance**:
Rearranging the formula, we can express specific resistance as:
\[ \rho = R \frac{A}{L} \]
This shows that specific resistance is directly related to resistance, the cross-sectional area, and inversely related to the length of the wire.

3. **Factors Affecting Specific Resistance**:
- **Material**: The specific resistance \( \rho \) is a property of the material from which the wire is made. Different materials have different resistivities.
- **Temperature**: The resistivity of most materials changes with temperature. For metals, resistivity typically increases with temperature, while for semiconductors, it may decrease.

4. **Conclusion**:
From the analysis, we can conclude that the specific resistance of a wire depends primarily on the material of the wire and its temperature. It does not depend on the length or cross-sectional area of the wire itself, as these factors are accounted for in the resistance formula.

### Final Answer:
The specific resistance of a wire depends on its material and temperature.