What does resistance signify in electrical terms?

Resistance in electrical terms signifies opposition to the flow of electric current. This concept is rooted in Ohm's Law, which states that the current passing through a conductor between two points is directly proportional to the voltage across the two points and inversely proportional to the resistance. The higher the resistance in a circuit, the less current will flow for a given voltage.

In practical applications, resistance is crucial for controlling how much current can pass through a component or circuit, ensuring that devices operate within safe limits. Materials with high resistance (like rubber or glass) are often used as insulators, while materials with low resistance (like copper or aluminum) are used in conductors to allow for efficient current flow. Understanding resistance is essential for designing and troubleshooting electrical systems, as it affects the overall performance and safety of the circuit.