In the context of electrical circuits, what does 'V = IR' represent?

'V = IR' is the formula defining Ohm’s Law, which is a fundamental principle in the field of electrical engineering and physics. This law states that the voltage (V) across a conductor is directly proportional to the current (I) flowing through it, with resistance (R) being the constant of proportionality.

Ohm's Law is crucial for understanding how electrical circuits operate because it allows for the calculation of any one of the three variables (voltage, current, or resistance) if the other two are known. For example, if we know the resistance of a circuit and the current flowing through it, we can easily calculate the voltage.

This formula is foundational for troubleshooting circuit issues, designing circuits, and ensuring that components function safely within their electrical ratings. Understanding this relationship helps technicians predict how changes in one variable will affect the others, which is essential for effective industrial maintenance and repair work in electrical systems. The other options relate to different principles in physics and electrical engineering, which do not pertain to the relationship encapsulated by 'V = IR'.