What is the term for the difference in electrical potential energy between two points in a circuit?

The term for the difference in electrical potential energy between two points in a circuit is voltage. Voltage, often referred to as electric potential difference, is what drives electric charge to flow through a circuit. It is the measure of the energy per unit charge available to move charges between two points and is typically measured in volts (V).

Understanding voltage is fundamental in electrical engineering and physics as it influences how electrical devices operate. When voltage is applied across a resistor or circuit, it establishes an electric field that causes current to flow. This potential difference is critical for defining the relationship between current, resistance, and power in Ohm's law and other electrical formulas.

In contrast, resistance refers to the opposition encountered by the electric current and does not describe the potential energy difference. Current is the flow of electric charge in a circuit, while power is the rate at which energy is transferred or converted. Each of these terms is essential in understanding circuits, but voltage specifically relates to the potential energy difference driving the flow of current.