What term is used to describe anything that uses electricity to perform useful work?

The term "load" refers to any device or component that consumes electrical power and uses it to perform useful work. In the context of electrical circuits, a load can be anything from a light bulb to a motor, heater, or appliance that transforms electrical energy into another form of energy such as light, heat, or mechanical motion.

When a load is connected to a circuit, it draws current from the power source, which allows it to carry out its intended function. Understanding the concept of load is crucial for technicians as it helps in designing, troubleshooting, and optimizing electrical systems to ensure they operate efficiently and safely.

Voltage refers to the electrical potential difference that drives the current through a circuit, while current measures the flow of electric charge. Resistance, on the other hand, is a measure of how much a material opposes the flow of current. While all these terms are essential in the realm of electricity, they do not define devices or components that perform work in the same way a load does. Thus, "load" accurately captures the definition requested in the question.