What does voltage represent in a circuit?

Voltage represents the electric potential difference between two points in a circuit, which is the driving force that pushes electric charge through the circuit. It can be understood as the energy per unit charge available to move electrons from one point to another. In practical terms, voltage is what causes current to flow; higher voltage can lead to a greater flow of current if the resistance remains constant.

Understanding voltage as the potential difference allows for better comprehension of how electrical devices operate. For instance, devices are rated for specific voltage levels to ensure they receive the right amount of electric potential to function properly.

The other concepts, such as current flow, total power, and resistance, are related but distinct. Current is the flow of electric charge, power is the rate at which energy is consumed or transformed, and resistance is a measure of how much a component opposes the flow of current. Each plays a role in the behavior of an electrical circuit, but voltage specifically refers to the potential difference necessary for moving charges.