What is voltage in the context of an electrical circuit?

Voltage, often referred to as electrical potential difference, is fundamentally the measure of electric potential energy per unit charge between two points in an electrical circuit. This potential difference is what drives electric charge to move through conductors, allowing for the flow of current. In essence, voltage represents the force that pushes electrons through a circuit, enabling devices to function by utilizing the energy carried by these moving charges.

Understanding voltage as the electric potential difference is crucial because it sets the groundwork for how circuits operate. When a circuit is complete and a voltage is applied, it creates a pathway for current to flow. This is critical for all electrical and electronic applications, as the behavior of circuits and the performance of devices depend greatly on the voltage supplied.

The other options, while related to electricity, do not accurately describe what voltage is. The flow of electric charge describes current, electrical power is related to both voltage and current but is defined by the product of the two (watts = volts × amps), and opposition to current flow refers to resistance. Thus, recognizing voltage as the potential difference allows for a clearer understanding of its role within an electrical circuit.