In the formula E = I x R, what does E represent?

In the formula E = I x R, E represents voltage. This equation is known as Ohm's Law, which is fundamental to understanding electrical circuits. In this context, voltage (E) is the electrical potential difference that drives current (I) through a circuit and is directly proportional to the current flowing and the resistance (R) encountered.

When you increase the resistance in a circuit while maintaining the same amount of current, the voltage must also increase to overcome that resistance. Therefore, voltage is essentially the force that pushes electrical charges through a conductor, making it a vital concept in automotive electrical diagnostics. Understanding that voltage (E) is a result of the interaction between current and resistance helps in diagnosing various electrical issues in vehicles, such as battery performance, circuit continuity, and overall system function.