What happens to the wire diameter as the AWG number increases?

As the American Wire Gauge (AWG) number increases, the diameter of the wire actually decreases. This inverse relationship in the AWG system indicates that lower AWG numbers correspond to thicker wires, while higher AWG numbers correspond to thinner wires. This is important in electrical applications because the wire's diameter affects its current-carrying capacity and resistance. A thinner wire (higher AWG number) will have a higher resistance and lower capacity for carrying current compared to a thicker wire (lower AWG number). Understanding this relationship is crucial for selecting the appropriate wire gauge for specific electrical tasks to ensure safety and functionality.