What does voltage represent in an electrical circuit?

Voltage represents the electrical pressure within a circuit. It is the force that pushes electric charges through a conductor, such as a wire, enabling the flow of electricity. This concept is crucial in understanding how electrical systems operate, as voltage determines how much current will flow under a particular resistance, based on Ohm's Law (V = IR, where V is voltage, I is current, and R is resistance).

In an electrical context, it is important to differentiate voltage from other concepts. While the flow of electricity refers to current, and opposition to current flow refers to resistance, voltage specifically denotes the potential energy per unit charge. This understanding of voltage is essential for analyzing and designing electrical circuits and systems effectively.