How does the outer diameter of solid copper conductors compare to that of stranded copper conductors?

The correct choice states that solid copper conductors are larger in outer diameter compared to stranded copper conductors. This is due to the structural differences between the two types of conductors.

Solid conductors consist of a single, continuous piece of copper, which typically provides a specific cross-sectional area that directly correlates with its diameter. Stranded conductors, on the other hand, are made up of multiple smaller strands of copper wire twisted together. This design allows for flexibility and ease of handling, but the arrangement of the strands means that, for the same overall cross-sectional area, the outer diameter can be smaller than that of a solid conductor.

The key aspect here is that while a stranded conductor can possess an equivalent cross-sectional area to a solid conductor for electrical properties, its construction generally leads to a reduction in outer diameter. This characteristic often makes stranded conductors more suitable for applications where bending and flexibility are needed, but it also explains why, when comparing like diameters for electrical purposes, solid conductors typically appear larger.

Thus, the understanding of these physical characteristics reinforces why solid copper conductors are represented as having a larger outer diameter than their stranded counterparts.