What change does a PTC Thermistor exhibit with increasing temperature?

A PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) thermistor is a type of resistor whose resistance increases as the temperature rises. This behavior is a characteristic property of PTC thermistors, making them sensitive to temperature changes.

The underlying principle is that as temperature increases, the charge carriers within the material of the thermistor become less mobile, leading to an increase in resistance. This characteristic is utilized in various applications, such as overcurrent protection and temperature sensing, where detecting an increase in resistance can indicate rising temperatures.

In contrast, other thermistors, such as NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) thermistors, decrease in resistance with rising temperature. However, in the case of a PTC thermistor, the design and material properties ensure that resistance will increase, which is critical for their intended uses. A good understanding of these concepts is essential for ensuring safety and functionality in gas systems and other applications involving temperature monitoring.