Final answer:
The wire with the shortest length will have the least resistance, given the same material and cross-sectional area, according to the formula for resistance which is influenced by length and area.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering which wire would have the least resistance, we must look at factors such as material, length, and cross-sectional area, as these all play roles in determining a wire's resistance. Given that all wires have the same cross-sectional area and assuming they are made of the same material, the wire with the shortest length would have the least resistance. This is described by the principle that the resistance (Ω) of a wire is directly proportional to its length (L) and inversely proportional to its cross-sectional area (A), given by the formula Ω = ρ * (L/A), where ρ is the resistivity of the material.
By applying this formula and the information provided about the wires, for example, if Wire 1 is shorter than Wire 4, it can be concluded that Resistance of Wire 1 < Resistance of Wire 4. In cases where multiple wires are present and if these wires were connected in parallel, the overall or equivalent resistance would be less than the smallest resistance of a single wire, due to the additional paths for the current to flow.