What is the definition of voltage?

Voltage is defined as the electrical potential difference between two points in a circuit. It measures the potential energy per unit charge that is available to drive electrons through a circuit. This potential difference is what causes current to flow when there is a complete path for the electrons.

In practical terms, voltage is essential because it quantifies how much energy could be supplied to charges as they move from one point to another. It is typically measured in volts (V).

Understanding voltage as electrical potential difference helps in grasping how electrical devices operate and how to analyze circuits. This is the fundamental concept upon which much of electrical theory is built, making it crucial for anyone studying solid-state electronics.

The other options refer to different electrical concepts: the flow of electrons pertains to current, opposition to current flow describes resistance, and voltage times current represents electrical power, each of which plays specific roles in electrical systems but does not define voltage itself.