ARRL Technician Practice Exam

What is the electrical term for the electromotive force (EMF) that causes electron flow?

1. Current

2. Resistance

3. Voltage

4. Power

The correct answer is: Voltage

The correct response is voltage, which is defined as the electromotive force (EMF) that drives electrons through a conductor. In electrical terms, voltage is the potential difference between two points in an electrical circuit, determining how much energy can be transferred from one point to another. It is what causes current to flow, as voltage provides the necessary "push" that moves electrons around the circuit. Current refers to the flow of electrons, which occurs as a result of voltage. Resistance is the opposition to this flow of electrons and is a critical component in determining how much current will flow in response to a specific voltage. Power, on the other hand, represents the rate at which energy is used or transferred, and is calculated by the product of current and voltage. Understanding these concepts helps clarify that voltage is the specific term used to describe the force that initiates electron movement in a circuit.