Which of the following resistances is higher, that of a stranded conductor or a solid conductor of equal gauge?

The resistance of a conductor is influenced by its material, length, cross-sectional area, and temperature. When comparing stranded and solid conductors of equal gauge, it is important to note that a stranded conductor consists of multiple smaller wires bundled together. This configuration can lead to a larger total surface area but less effective conductivity due to the increased number of connections and potential contact losses between the strands.

Stranded conductors, while more flexible and easier to manage in certain applications, often present a higher resistance compared to solid conductors of the same gauge because solid conductors have a continuous piece of metal that facilitates better electron flow with fewer interruptions. This continuous path results in less overall resistance.

Therefore, the stranded conductor's resistance is indeed higher than that of a solid conductor of equal gauge, making the first option the correct answer. This characteristic is particularly relevant in electrical engineering and applications where minimizing resistance is crucial for efficiency and performance.