In an electrical circuit, what is the term used to describe the opposition to the flow of electric current?

In an electrical circuit, the term used to describe the opposition to the flow of electric current is resistance. Resistance is a fundamental property of materials that affects how easily they allow current to flow through them. It is measured in ohms and is influenced by factors such as the material's properties, length, cross-sectional area, and temperature.

Understanding resistance is crucial for analyzing and designing electrical circuits, as it directly impacts how much current can flow for a given voltage (as described by Ohm's Law: V = IR, where V is voltage, I is current, and R is resistance). High resistance in a circuit means that less current will flow, while low resistance allows more current to pass through. This concept is foundational in both theoretical and practical applications in electrical engineering.