Voltage (V) is the electrical potential difference between two points. Electrons will flow as current from areas of high potential (concentration of electrons) to areas of low potential. Voltage and current are directly proportional in that the higher the voltage applied to a conductor the higher the current that will result.

A transistor works by allowing a small amount of current applied at the base to control general current flow from collector to emitter through the transistor. A transistor acts as a gate or switch for electronic signals.

All conductors have resistance and the amount of resistance varies with the element. In general, metals make the best conductors of electricity and non-metals make the worst conductors of electricity.

Resistors are used to limit voltage and/or current in a circuit and can have a fixed or variable resistance.  Variable resistors (often called potentiometers or rheostats) are used when dynamic control over the voltage/current in a circuit is needed, for example, in a light dimmer or volume control.