How is voltage defined in terms of electricity?

Voltage is defined as the pressure or force that pushes electrons through an electrical circuit. This concept is fundamental in understanding how electrical systems operate. In this context, voltage can be thought of as the driving force that causes electric charge (or electrons) to move through a conductor, such as a wire. This movement of electrons constitutes an electric current.

When you visualize voltage, it helps to think of it in terms of water flowing through a pipe. Just as water pressure drives water through the pipes, voltage drives electrons through electrical circuits. The higher the voltage, the greater the potential energy available to move the charge, resulting in a stronger current in the circuit.

In electrical terminology, the unit of voltage is the volt, and it is a critical parameter in defining how circuits function. Understanding voltage is essential for anyone working in electrical engineering, electronics, or utility services as it directly relates to the energy available to do work in an electrical system.