What is the potential for causing current flow?

• A. Resistance
• B. Capacitance
• C. Voltage
• D. Inductance

Answer: (C)

Voltage is the driving force in a circuit—the electric potential difference between two points that pushes charges to move. This potential energy per unit charge provides the energy needed to overcome resistance and create current, which is why current flow depends on voltage. Ohm’s law, I = V / R, shows how current grows with voltage for a given resistance. Capacitance and inductance influence how current changes: capacitance affects current during changes in voltage as it charges or discharges, and inductance resists changes in current by generating a back emf. Resistance is what opposes current, not what initiates it. In short, voltage is the cause that pushes current to flow.