The standard unit of electrical resistance is the ohm, symbolized by the Greek letter omega (Ω). Named after the German physicist Georg Simon Ohm, this unit quantifies how much a material opposes the flow of electric current. The resistance of a conductor is determined by factors such as its material, length, and cross-sectional area. In an electrical circuit, higher resistance means that less current will pass through for a given voltage, following Ohm's Law (V = IR). Understanding resistance is crucial for designing and analyzing electrical circuits, ensuring safety and efficiency in various applications, from consumer electronics to industrial systems.