What does the term voltage refer to in electrical terms?

Voltage, in electrical terms, refers to the potential difference that drives current through a circuit. It is a measure of the electric potential energy per unit charge available to move electrons from one point to another. This potential difference is crucial in determining how much current will flow in a circuit when a complete path is provided. Essentially, voltage can be thought of as the "push" that causes current to flow, similar to how water pressure pushes water through a pipe.

In understanding the role of voltage, it is important to distinguish it from other concepts such as current (the flow of electrons) and resistance (the opposition to that flow). Voltage doesn't represent the actual movement of electrons but rather the energy available to move them. Thus, it is a fundamental concept in understanding how electrical circuits operate, behind every flow of current lies this essential potential difference that governs the behavior of electric components.