What is Voltage?

Voltage is defined as the electric potential difference between two points in a circuit. It essentially measures the work done per unit charge to move a charge between these points. This potential difference is crucial because it drives the electric current through the circuit. When a source, such as a battery or a power supply, creates this potential difference, it allows charges to flow, resulting in electric current.

Understanding voltage is fundamental in circuit analysis and design, as it influences not only the amount of current that can flow but also how power is distributed throughout the circuit. In practical terms, when you have a higher voltage, it generally indicates that more energy per charge is available to be converted into other forms of energy, such as light in a bulb or heating in a resistor.

This concept is different from other options: current flow refers to the actual movement of charges, electrical resistance is a measure of how much a component opposes that flow, and total power consumed in a circuit is a product of both voltage and current (P=VI). Thus, recognizing voltage as the electric potential difference helps clarify its essential role in electrical systems.