What does the term 'Volts' refer to in electrical terms?

The term 'Volts' refers to the unit of measurement for electrical potential, or electrical pressure. It quantifies how much potential energy exists to move electric charges in a circuit. When we think of electricity, it can be helpful to visualize it like water flowing through a pipe: the voltage is akin to the pressure that pushes the water through the pipe, enabling it to flow. In this analogy, higher volts mean higher pressure, which results in a greater flow of current, assuming the resistance remains constant.

In contrast, terms like flow or current describe the quantity of electricity that flows, resistance refers to how much that flow is impeded, and power combines both voltage and current to define the rate at which electrical energy is used. Thus, identifying volts as a measure of pressure provides clarity on its role in electrical systems.