What is the most common material used to make resistors?

The most common material used to make resistors is carbon. Carbon resistors, specifically, are popular due to their stability, reliability, and low cost. They are widely used in various applications because they provide consistent resistance across a range of temperatures and operating conditions. The ability to manufacture carbon resistors with precise resistance values makes them especially attractive for both industrial and consumer applications.

While copper is an excellent conductor of electricity and is used in wiring and other electronic components, it is not suitable for making resistors because it does not have the desired resistive properties. Aluminum, similarly, is primarily used in capacitors and as a structural material rather than in resistors. Gold, on the other hand, is used in some specialized components and for connectors due to its excellent conductivity and resistance to corrosion, but it is not commonly used for resistors due to its high cost. Thus, carbon stands out as the primary choice in resistor manufacturing for its functional characteristics and cost-effectiveness.