Summarizing DC Voltmeters and Ammeters
Summary
- Voltmeters measure voltage, and ammeters measure current.
- A voltmeter is placed in parallel with the voltage source to receive full voltage and must have a large resistance to limit its effect on the circuit.
- An ammeter is placed in series to get the full current flowing through a branch and must have a small resistance to limit its effect on the circuit.
- Both can be based on the combination of a resistor and a galvanometer, a device that gives an analog reading of current.
- Standard voltmeters and ammeters alter the circuit being measured and are thus limited in accuracy.
Glossary
voltmeter
an instrument that measures voltage
ammeter
an instrument that measures current
analog meter
a measuring instrument that gives a readout in the form of a needle movement over a marked gauge
digital meter
a measuring instrument that gives a readout in a digital form
This lesson is part of:
Circuits and DC Instruments
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