What happens to the resistance of an NTC thermistor in response to heating?

An NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) thermistor exhibits a distinct behavior regarding its resistance in response to temperature changes. As the temperature increases, the resistance of an NTC thermistor decreases. This is due to the movement of charge carriers within the thermistor material, which becomes more mobile at higher temperatures. The increased thermal energy allows for more electrons to participate in conduction, thereby reducing the resistance.

This characteristic makes NTC thermistors highly useful in temperature sensing applications and circuits where temperature compensation is needed. They are often employed in HVAC systems for measuring temperature and providing feedback for temperature regulation. The way their resistance changes in relation to temperature can significantly impact the overall performance and efficiency of heating and cooling systems.