There is a very dangerous myth floating around, one which could actually result in severe injury and even death – “Electricity always follows the path of least resistance”.
What path does electricity follow?
An electric circuit is a pathway through which electric current flows. Now you know that electric current flows through a path called a circuit.
What path does electricity always prefer to take to earth?
Grounding: Lightning
As the National Agricultural Safety Database emphasizes, electricity takes the path of least resistance. In the case of electricity, that’s a beeline straight to the ground.
What is the direction of flow of electricity?
The direction of an electric current is by convention the direction in which a positive charge would move. Thus, the current in the external circuit is directed away from the positive terminal and toward the negative terminal of the battery. Electrons would actually move through the wires in the opposite direction.
Does electricity take all paths?
Contrary to popular belief, electricity takes all paths available — in inverse proportion to the impedance of the paths. The magnitude of the current flowing in a path depends on the path’s voltage and impedance. … Conversely, the higher the impedance (assuming voltage remains constant), the lower the current.
Does current follow shortest path?
Current does not follow the shortest path, nor the longest path, nor the path of least Resistance. Current flows through ALL possible paths in reciprocal proportion to the Resistance of each path.