What does "voltage" refer to in electrical terms?

Voltage, in electrical terms, refers to the potential difference between two points in a circuit. It is essentially a measure of how much potential energy each unit of charge would have when moving from one point to another. This potential difference is what drives current through a circuit, allowing electrons to flow and do work such as lighting a bulb or powering a device.

Understanding voltage is fundamental as it sets the stage for how electrical systems operate. It influences not only the current that can flow through a circuit, as dictated by Ohm's Law (which connects voltage, current, and resistance), but also helps in determining how much power devices will consume. While it relates closely to concepts such as current and resistance, it's vital to recognize that voltage itself is not a measure of current flow or resistance, nor is it a direct measure of power dissipated in a circuit.