Which of the following provides the electrical potential for an electrical system?

The generator is the component that provides electrical potential for an electrical system. Generators work by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy through electromagnetic induction. When a coil of wire is rotated within a magnetic field, it induces a flow of electric current, effectively generating electrical power. This process establishes the electrical potential necessary for the functioning of electrical systems, allowing for the distribution of electricity for various applications.

In contrast, while transformers and capacitors are essential components in electrical systems, their roles differ significantly. A transformer alters the voltage of alternating current (AC) in a circuit but does not generate electrical potential itself. A capacitor stores electrical energy and can release it when needed, but it does not provide the initial electrical potential. Resistors, meanwhile, limit current flow and dissipate electrical energy as heat, rather than providing electrical potential.

This understanding highlights the fundamental role of generators in supplying the electrical potential that drives electrical systems.