What determines the potential of electric energy in a circuit?

The potential of electric energy in a circuit is determined by the voltage. Voltage, also referred to as electric potential difference, is the force that pushes electric charges through the circuit. It can be thought of as the "pressure" that drives the flow of electricity. Higher voltage means a greater potential energy for the charges, enabling them to do more work as they move through the circuit.

While resistance and current are important factors that affect how electricity flows, they do not define the potential energy itself. Resistance relates to how much the circuit opposes the flow of current, while current measures the rate of flow of electric charges. The type of current used—whether alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC)—also does not determine potential; it pertains to the nature of the flow of electricity rather than the energy potential. Therefore, voltage is essential for understanding the potential energy available in an electric circuit.