Potential difference, commonly referred to as voltage, is the difference in electric potential energy per unit charge between two points in an electric field. It measures the work done needed to move a charge from one point to another. Essentially, it indicates how much energy is available to drive electric current through a circuit.
When we talk about higher potential and lower potential, we are referring to the energy levels associated with electric charges. A point at a higher potential has more electric energy compared to a point at a lower potential. This differentiation creates an electric field that influences the movement of charges.
Electrons, which carry a negative charge, naturally flow from areas of lower potential to higher potential. This may seem counterintuitive since we often think of current flowing from higher to lower potential. However, the flow of electrons is driven by the electric field created by this potential difference. Essentially, electrons are attracted to the higher potential while repelled from the lower potential, leading to their movement in that direction.