What term describes how terminal voltage varies with changing load current?

The term that describes how terminal voltage varies with changing load current is best defined as percentage voltage regulation. This concept is important in power engineering as it quantifies the change in voltage at the output of a power system or device when the load changes, typically measured in percentage terms.

Percentage voltage regulation is calculated by taking the difference between the no-load voltage and the full-load voltage, dividing it by the full-load voltage, and then multiplying by 100 to express it as a percentage. This measurement helps engineers understand how well a generator or transformer can maintain a stable voltage output under varying load conditions. A lower percentage indicates better performance and stability under load variations.

Understanding this concept is crucial, as managing terminal voltage is key to ensuring that electrical equipment operates efficiently and effectively under different load scenarios.