What does the letter 'E' represent in electrical terminology?

In electrical terminology, the letter 'E' commonly represents electromotive force (emf), which is synonymous with voltage. Electromotive force is a measure of the energy supplied by a source, such as a battery or a generator, to move electric charges through a circuit. It quantifies the potential difference in electrical energy per unit charge, enabling current to flow.

Understanding emf is crucial in electrical engineering and circuit analysis because it helps in determining how much work can be done by the electric charges as they move around a circuit. A solid grasp of this concept is essential for calculating power, energy transfer, and understanding the behavior of electrical components in various configurations.