What does the term “voltage” refer to in electrical terminology?

Voltage refers to the electrical potential difference between two points in a circuit. It is essentially what drives the current through the circuit, much like water pressure in a plumbing system pushes water through pipes. When you have a difference in electrical potential (voltage) between two points, it creates a "push" that allows electric charge to flow, which is what we refer to as current.

Understanding voltage is crucial for any electrical professional, as it helps in designing and troubleshooting electrical circuits. Accurate measurements of voltage can indicate the conditions within the circuit and help identify issues or ensure that devices are operating correctly. The other options touch on related electrical concepts but do not define voltage accurately. For instance, the total amount of current is a separate concept from voltage, while resistance refers to how much the current flow is impeded, and energy consumption pertains to how much power is used by devices.