Which financial term reflects a direct commitment and represents a potential liability in a transaction?

A debit reflects a direct commitment and represents a potential liability in a transaction because it indicates that an entity has incurred an obligation that needs to be settled in the future. In accounting, a debit entry increases expenses or decreases liabilities, demonstrating a commitment of resources. For example, when a company purchases goods on credit, it uses a debit to record the expense, which establishes a liability to pay that debt later.

In contrast, the other options do not inherently signify a potential liability. An asset represents resources owned by a company, while equity pertains to ownership interest or claims against the assets after liabilities have been settled. Capital generally refers to financial resources available for use, but it does not convey the immediate commitment associated with potential liabilities like a debit entry does. Thus, the nature of debits in financial transactions complies directly with the definition of a commitment or obligation.