Does the emf represnet a force or potential energy or work done per unit charge or potential differences?

Explanation

The term emf is a misnomer. In a closed circuit, emf is a source of external force (infact a source of energy) which compels the current carriers (electrons or ions) to move in a definite direction (i.e., from lower potential energy to higher potential energy). The electromotive force is associated with an arrangement or mechanism which can supply energy or does work to move the electric charge from lower potential energy to higher potential energy. Such an arrangment is called a source of emf, which may be a cell, a battery, a generator or dynamo.
EMF of a cell is defined as the energy supplied by the cell to drive a unit positive charge once around the complete circuit. It is also defined as the maximum potential difference between two electrodes of a cell when no current is drawn from the cell.