How is voltage best defined in electrical terms?

Voltage, in electrical terms, is best defined as the difference in electric potential between two points in a circuit. This definition captures the fundamental concept of voltage as a measure of the energy difference that drives the flow of electric charge (electrons) between those two points.

Voltage is often described as the "push" that enables electrons to move through a conductor, which is crucial for current to flow. It can be thought of as the driving force that causes current to circulate in a circuit. This driving force is essential for the operation of electrical systems and devices.

While it may be tempting to view voltage purely as the force pushing electrons, considering it as the difference in electric potential provides a clearer understanding of its role in circuits. This perspective emphasizes that voltage is not just about the push but also about the comparative energy levels at different points within the circuit, which allows for quantitative measurements and calculations essential for analyzing electrical systems.

Understanding voltage through this lens helps clarify its relationship with other electrical concepts such as current and resistance, as described by Ohm’s Law, where voltage is directly related to the current flowing through a circuit and the resistance opposing that current.