What is a key advantage of metal film resistors over carbon resistors?

Metal film resistors offer a distinct advantage regarding stability and reliability, particularly in their resistance values over time. One of the key features of metal film resistors is their precision. They have a much lower temperature coefficient, meaning that their resistance value changes very little with temperature fluctuations. Additionally, unlike carbon resistors, which can change resistance due to environmental factors and aging, metal film resistors maintain their specified values for a longer period.

This stability is crucial in many applications where precision is necessary, such as in audio equipment, medical devices, and precision instrumentation. Their low noise characteristics further enhance their performance in sensitive electronic circuits.

In contrast, while carbon resistors are typically cheaper and easier to produce, they are more prone to change in resistance value due to aging and environmental conditions, which can be detrimental in applications requiring consistent performance. The mention of lower power ratings and higher inductance is also less relevant when comparing these two types of resistors, as those characteristics don’t represent the key advantage that metal film resistors provide in consistency and reliability of resistance value over time.