What does the term "voltage" refer to?

The term "voltage" refers to the electrical potential difference between two points in a circuit. It is a measure of the potential energy per unit charge available to move electrons through a conductor. Essentially, voltage acts as the push that drives the flow of electrical current through a circuit. The higher the voltage, the greater the potential for current flow, which is crucial for an electrical device to function.

Understanding voltage is fundamental in the context of electricity because it directly influences how much current can flow and how efficiently electrical devices operate. In various applications, voltage must be managed and measured to ensure that devices receive the appropriate amount of electrical energy for performance and safety.