All objects encounter friction when moving. Electrons are no different, but we refer to the friction that electrons encounter as resistance. The electrons collide with the atoms in a wire and are deflected from their paths. For the same voltage difference, the greater the resistance the smaller the current. Resistance causes the electric charges to lose energy. The energy goes into the thermal energy of the wire or other conductor. That is, they get hot! The thermal energy can produce heat in a toaster and heat and light in an incandescent lamp.