What does voltage (joule/coulomb) represent in electrical terms?

Voltage, defined as joules per coulomb, represents the amount of electric potential energy per unit charge. In electrical terms, it functions as an electromotive force or a difference in potential between two points in a circuit. This potential difference is what drives charged particles, such as electrons, through conductors, allowing electric current to flow. The higher the voltage, the greater the potential energy available to move charges, which is fundamental in understanding how electrical circuits operate.

When discussing electrical circuits, it is essential to recognize that voltage is the initiating force that propels current, and it is measured across components to determine how much energy will be transferred for each coulomb of charge passing through that component. This is foundational in both AC and DC circuit analyses, leading to proper calculations and predictions of circuit behavior. Understanding this concept is critical for anyone studying corrosion prevention and control measures since the electrochemical processes often rely heavily on these principles.