What is one key characteristic of stranded wire compared to solid wire?

Stranded wire is more flexible than solid wire, which is a key characteristic that makes it particularly useful in applications requiring bending and movement. This flexibility is due to the composition of stranded wire, which is made up of multiple small strands of wire bundled together. In contrast, solid wire is a single, solid piece of metal that lacks this flexibility.

The increased flexibility of stranded wire allows it to be easily routed through tight spaces and makes it less likely to break when subjected to repeated bending, which is particularly beneficial in mobile applications such as electrical connections in vehicles or portable devices. This characteristic helps prevent fatigue and wear over time, contributing to the reliability of electrical systems.

In other contexts, the differences in conductivity, cost, and flexibility between stranded and solid wires generally favor stranded wire for applications where movement and installation convenience are priorities.