What is the term used to describe the opposition to the flow of current?

The term that describes the opposition to the flow of current is resistance. In electrical circuits, resistance is a measure of how much a material or component reduces the flow of electric current. It is measured in ohms (Ω) and plays a crucial role in determining how electrical energy is converted to heat, light, or other forms of energy within a circuit.

Resistance arises from collisions between moving charges (electrons) and the particles within the conducting material, effectively impeding the flow of electricity. This relationship is described by Ohm's Law, which states that the current flowing through a conductor between two points is directly proportional to the voltage across the two points and inversely proportional to the resistance.

Understanding resistance is fundamental in electrical engineering, as it not only affects the efficiency of energy transfer in circuits but also influences the design and functionality of electronic devices.