What electrical characteristic is measured with the unit "ohms"?

The measurement of electrical characteristics in ohms relates specifically to resistance and impedance. Resistance refers to the opposition to the flow of electric current in a conductor, measured in ohms. Impedance extends this concept to alternating current (AC) circuits, encompassing both resistance and reactance, which is the opposition to the change in current due to inductance or capacitance.

Resistance is a critical parameter in determining how much current will flow when a voltage is applied, following Ohm's Law, which states that the current (I) through a conductor between two points is directly proportional to the voltage (V) across the two points and inversely proportional to the resistance (R).

Understanding impedance is also vital in AC systems, where components are affected not only by their resistance but also by their reactive properties. Therefore, when we consider the unit "ohms," it is appropriate to identify it with both resistance and impedance as it provides a comprehensive view of how materials or components will respond to electrical signals in various situations.