How do phone chargers work? (thin cable question)

[Cheesycheese213]

We're all told how circuits have to be closed and loop back to be able to have the electrons flowing and give things power, so is that the reason most outlet charges have two wires connected? If so, why are phone chargers only one wire, and how are they so thin?
Thanks!

 

[phinds]

We're all told how circuits have to be closed and loop back to be able to have the electrons flowing and give things power, so is that the reason most outlet charges have two wires connected? If so, why are phone chargers only one wire, and how are they so thin?
Thanks!

They are NOT one wire, they are two wires in a small cable because yes, you need two wires (or no wires if you do inductive charging)

 

[CWatters]

+1 Most chargers are USB and that has 4 wires in the one cable. 2 are used for data and 2 for power.

 

[CWatters]

I believe usb uses 24 gauge wire for the 2 power wires which can just about manage to carry 2A.

 

[berkeman]

http://www.audiopolitan.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Pangea-Audio-USB-AG-Cable-Construction-Cross-Sectional-View-Audiopolitan.jpg