Which unit measures electrical resistance?

The unit that measures electrical resistance is the ohm. In electrical terminology, resistance is a measure of the opposition that a circuit or component presents to the flow of electric current. The concept of resistance is central to 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.

Understanding resistance in ohms is critical for anyone working with electrical circuits, as it helps to determine how much current will flow in response to a given voltage. The higher the resistance, the lower the current for a given voltage. In practical applications, ohms help in selecting the appropriate components for electrical projects and in troubleshooting circuit issues.

In contrast, volts are used to measure electric potential, watts quantify electrical power, and amperes denote electric current. Each of these units serves a distinct purpose in electrical engineering, but when it comes to measuring how much a material resists the flow of electric current, ohms are the relevant unit.