When current flows through multiple paths, it primarily follows the path of least resistance because of how electric current behaves in a circuit. In a scenario with multiple conductive paths, current tends to take the route that offers the least opposition to its flow. This principle is based on Ohm's Law, which states that the current (I) through a conductor between two points is directly proportional to the voltage (V) across the two points and inversely proportional to the resistance (R) of the conductor (I = V/R).
By this principle, when presented with paths of varying resistances, the current will favor the path where resistance is lowest, as less energy is required to push the current through that path. This tendency not only helps in determining the effective resistance of a circuit but also impacts the performance and safety of electrical systems, including potentially leading to overheating or circuit failures if the lower-resistance paths are not adequately rated for the current they carry.
Other choices like high resistance would typically impede current flow, while moderate and equal resistances would not influence the flow pattern towards a more efficient path over others that provide more resistance.