What is a volt?

A volt is defined as the unit of electrical potential difference, which measures the amount of electric potential energy available to move one coulomb of charge between two points in an electric circuit. When you think of potential difference, it refers to the force that pushes electrical charges through a conductor, such as a wire. This push is crucial for the flow of electric current, which is equally fundamental in electrical systems.

Understanding that the volt represents this potential difference helps clarify its role in circuits, as it directly influences how much current can flow, provided that resistance is constant (according to Ohm's law). It's important to distinguish this from other electrical units: for instance, a unit of electrical energy would be the joule, a unit of electrical current would be the ampere, and a unit of electrical resistance would be the ohm. Knowing these definitions allows for a comprehensive grasp of basic electrical principles and how they interact within electrical systems.