What does resistance measure in an electrical circuit?

Resistance measures the opposition to the flow of electric charges in an electrical circuit. It quantifies how much a component or material hinders the movement of electrons when a voltage is applied. The higher the resistance, the more difficult it is for current to flow through the circuit.

This concept is central to understanding circuit behavior and is defined by Ohm’s Law, which states that the current through a conductor between two points is directly proportional to the voltage across the two points and inversely proportional to the resistance. In practical terms, resistors and similar components are designed to create a specific amount of resistance that impacts circuit performance, allowing for the control and management of electrical flow.

In contrast, the other options represent different electrical concepts: the flow of electric charge pertains to current, the difference in voltage relates to potential difference or voltage drop across components, and total energy consumed relates to power calculations in circuits, not directly to resistance itself.