Path of least resistance?

[joblessalex]

Simple quick question for the proffessors, if electricity takes the path of least resistance, how come current flows through two parralleled resistors instead of just the lowest one?

[cyr]

Because "takes the path of least resistance" is just an (over)simplification.

It is approximately true if there is a very large difference in resistance.

[BravoV]

Imagine two pipes in paralel, one has huge diameter, say as big as a train, and another one as small as a straw, and both connected to the same water source.

I don't think its intuitive to conclude that there must be NO water flow at all in the straw, "no" here means complete zero.

[CalG]

The "IF" in your question is the flaw .

Electricity DOES NOT FOLLOW THE PATH OF LEAST RESISTANCE. .................Clear that from your mind.

Electricity flows through all resistances in inverse proportion to the resistance.  (replace with impedance if desired)

Other wise,  voltage divider networks could never be calculated.  (or any balanced circuit for that matter.)

[joblessalex]

Whew. Thanks for clearing that up. I always used paralleled resistors and had no idea why they worked! That is a much more reasonable explanation.