In electrical terminology, what does 'load' refer to?

'Load' in electrical terminology specifically refers to the devices or components that consume electrical power within a circuit. This can include household appliances, light bulbs, motors, and any other device that requires electrical energy to operate. When current flows through a circuit, the load is what uses that current and converts electrical energy into other forms of energy, such as light, heat, or mechanical work.

Understanding this concept is crucial in circuit design and analysis, as the load impacts how much current the power supply must provide and can also influence overall circuit behavior. The power provided to the load is calculated using the formula: Power (P) = Voltage (V) × Current (I), which illustrates the relationship between the load's requirements and the electrical characteristics of the circuit.