What does a volt measure?

A volt measures electric potential energy per unit charge. It quantifies the amount of work needed to move a unit electric charge through an electric field. When you think of voltage, it embodies the concept of electrical pressure that drives current through a circuit.

In practical terms, if you have a higher voltage, it means there is a greater potential difference available for causing current to flow. This makes voltage a critical parameter in understanding electric circuits, as it allows engineers and technicians to assess how much energy is available to drive all sorts of electrical devices and systems.

Understanding voltage is essential for effective circuit design and analysis, as it directly relates to the behavior of electrical components such as resistors, capacitors, and inductors.