What does voltage represent in an electrical circuit?

Voltage represents the electrical potential difference between two points in a circuit, serving as the driving force that causes electrons to flow. It is often referred to as electromotive force (EMF) and is measured in volts. When voltage is applied across a circuit, it creates an electric field that pushes charge carriers, such as electrons, enabling them to move through the conductor. This movement of electrons constitutes an electric current.

Understanding voltage is crucial because it essentially dictates the amount of energy available to move charges through a load, such as a resistor or an electrical appliance. Without sufficient voltage, current cannot flow effectively, and devices cannot operate properly. This relationship highlights why voltage is integral to the operation of any electrical system.

In contrast, resistance relates to how much a component opposes the flow of current, electron speed is a measurement of how fast the electrons are moving (not the driving force), and energy consumed refers to the electrical energy used by devices over time, which is determined by both voltage and current.