Which type of external bleeding is less likely to clot?

When considering the types of external bleeding, arterial bleeding is indeed less likely to clot effectively. This is primarily due to the nature of arterial blood, which is under higher pressure compared to venous or capillary blood. Arterial bleeding tends to be more profuse and pulsatile, making it harder for the body's natural clotting mechanisms to keep pace with the blood loss. The rapid outflow of blood can wash away clotting factors and platelets before they can form a stable clot.

Additionally, arterial injuries can damage the vessel walls significantly, leading to a more complex bleeding scenario that does not favor clot formation. Venous bleeding, in contrast, is more manageable as it flows steadily and has a better chance of clotting due to lower pressure. Capillary bleeding typically involves smaller vessels and is most often easier to control and clot effectively due to the gentle nature of the blood loss.

Therefore, arterial bleeding stands out as the type of external bleeding that is less likely to clot, primarily due to its high pressure and the dynamics of blood flow.