What does EMF stand for in electrical terms?

In electrical terms, EMF stands for Electromotive Force. It refers to the voltage developed by any source of electrical energy such as a battery or generator when no current is flowing. EMF is essentially the energy provided per unit charge by a source of electrical energy; it represents the potential difference that drives current around an electrical circuit.

The term emphasizes the concept of force in the movement of charge carriers (like electrons) through a circuit, which is a fundamental idea in understanding how electrical systems operate. EMF can be seen as the "push" that causes current to flow, and it is measured in volts, making it a core component in the study of electricity and circuits.