What term describes the opposition to current flow?

Resistance is the term that describes the opposition to current flow in an electrical circuit. It is measured in ohms (Ω) and quantifies how much a component or material opposes the movement of electric charge. In practical terms, higher resistance in a material means that it will allow less current to flow for a given voltage applied across it.

Understanding resistance is crucial in electrical systems, especially in utility arborist practice, where tree care professionals often need to be aware of how trees and their surrounding environments can affect electrical circuits. For example, when conducting maintenance near power lines, understanding how resistance can impact the safety of electrical systems is vital.

Voltage refers to the potential difference that drives electric current, while current is the rate of flow of electric charge. Power is the measure of the rate at which electrical energy is transferred by an electric circuit. None of these terms directly define the opposition to flow as resistance does.