What does "Voltage" measure?

Voltage measures the electric potential difference between two points in an electrical circuit. It represents the amount of energy per unit charge that is available to drive electric current through a circuit. When you have a higher voltage, it means there is a greater potential for work to be done, as it can push charges through resistive elements.

In practical terms, this means that voltage is critical in determining how much current can flow through a circuit when connected to a load, such as a light bulb or an electric motor. It serves as a catalyst for the movement of electrons, which constitutes electric current.

Understanding voltage is essential because it affects how devices are powered and how they interact with one another within a system. In contrast, the flow of electric charge measures current, energy consumed per second relates to power, and resistance quantifies how much a component opposes the flow of electric charge.