What is the term for a material's opposition to the flow of electric current?

The term that describes a material's opposition to the flow of electric current is resistance. Resistance measures how much a material restricts the movement of charged particles, such as electrons, within it when an electric field is applied. This property determines how much current will flow for a given voltage according to Ohm's Law, which states that current is directly proportional to voltage and inversely proportional to resistance. High resistance means that less current will flow for a given voltage, while low resistance allows more current to pass through.

In electrical circuits, components like resistors are specifically designed to add resistance, controlling the current flow and protecting other components from excessive current. Understanding resistance is essential for designing and analyzing circuits, as it influences how they operate under various conditions.