Basic electrical quantities — which term designates “electrical pressure”? In introductory electrical engineering, the term used to describe the driving force that pushes charge through a circuit (often called electrical pressure) is:

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: voltage

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
In circuit theory and practical electronics, technicians and students often hear the phrase “electrical pressure.” This colloquial term refers to the potential difference that drives electrons through a conductive path. Identifying the correct formal term helps build a precise vocabulary for analyzing and troubleshooting circuits.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The prompt asks for the correct technical name for electrical pressure.
  • No numerical computation is required.
  • Standard electrical quantities considered: voltage, current, resistance, conductance.



Concept / Approach:
Electrical pressure is an intuitive analogy to fluid pressure. Just as fluid pressure drives fluid flow, electric potential difference drives electric current. The standard term for electric potential difference is voltage, measured in volts. Current is the rate of charge flow (amperes). Resistance is the opposition to current (ohms). Conductance is the reciprocal of resistance (siemens).



Step-by-Step Solution:
Map the analogy: pressure (fluid) ↔ potential difference (electrical).Identify the formal term for potential difference: voltage.Confirm that current, resistance, and conductance are different fundamental quantities.Select ‘‘voltage’’ as the correct description of electrical pressure.



Verification / Alternative check:
Ohm’s law states V = I * R. Here V (voltage) is the driving force; if voltage increases across a given resistance, current increases proportionally, mirroring how higher pressure increases fluid flow through a restriction.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Current: measures charge flow, not the force driving it.
  • Resistance: opposes current, analogous to a flow restriction.
  • Conductance: the ease of current flow; the inverse of resistance.



Common Pitfalls:

  • Confusing “voltage” with “current” because both are often discussed together; remember voltage causes current through resistance.
  • Assuming resistance or conductance can “push” current; they only determine how much current flows for a given voltage.



Final Answer:
voltage

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