why do current-carrying wires have multiple thin copper wires instead of a single thick copper wire?

Question

In domestic current-carrying wires, there are many thin copper wires inside the plastic insulation. Why is that so? Why can’t there be a single thick copper wire carrying the current instead of so many thin ones?

In: Engineering

Answer 1

Mostly because a stranded wire, being made of multiple thin wires, bends and flexes much more easily and so it’s a lot better if you have to move the wire

If you don’t have to move the wire, like for house wiring, solid wire is often used