What is the term for the opposition to the flow of electric current?

Resistance refers to the opposition to the flow of electric current in a circuit. It is a fundamental concept in electronics and physics, representing how much a material or component impedes the movement of electric charges. Resistance is measured in ohms, and factors such as the material, temperature, and size of the conductor can affect it.

Understanding resistance is crucial in electrical applications because it determines how much current will flow through a circuit for a given voltage. According to Ohm’s Law, which states that voltage equals current multiplied by resistance (V = IR), higher resistance leads to lower current flow if the voltage remains constant. This principle is foundational in designing circuits and electrical systems, impacting everything from household wiring to sophisticated electronic devices.