In the hydraulic analogy, what does voltage represent?

In the hydraulic analogy, voltage is represented by pressure. This analogy is commonly used to help conceptualize electrical systems by drawing parallels with fluid dynamics.

In this context, a hydraulic system can be imagined where a pump creates pressure within a pipe, which then drives water flow through that pipe. Similarly, in an electrical circuit, a voltage source (like a battery) generates electrical pressure, which pushes electrons through the circuit. Just as higher pressure in a hydraulic system leads to greater flow of fluid, higher voltage in an electrical system results in a greater flow of electrical current.

This analogy helps to simplify the understanding of electrical principles. For example, just as a restriction in a pipe reduces the flow of water, a resistance in a circuit limits the flow of current. This comparison clarifies how voltage plays a critical role in determining how much current will flow through a circuit depending on the voltage applied and the resistance encountered. Thus, associating voltage with pressure allows one to visualize electrical concepts in terms of something more familiar and tangible.