Question

How is an ammeter connected in a circuit how is a voltmeter connected in a circuit?

Answer 1

Voltmeter

1. A voltmeter is a device or instrument that measures the amount of voltage throughout a circuit.
2. Voltmeter is connected parallel with the circuit to measure its voltage.
3. We know, in a parallel connection, the potential drop is the same in all the branches.
4. So, we connect the voltmeter in parallel with the device whose voltage has to be measured.
5. Here, in the figure, the voltmeter is connected in parallel with resistance, to measure the potential drop across it.
6. Since, in parallel combination, the potential drop is the same, the voltage drop across the voltmeter will be the same as the potential drop across the resistor.

Diagram

Fig: Connection of Voltmeter in parallel.

Ammeter

1. An ammeter is a device or instrument that measures the amount of current passing through a circuit.
2. An Ammeter is connected in series with the circuit to measure its current.
3. We know, flow of current will be the same in a series combination, but in case of parallel combination, current is divided into branches.
4. So, we connect ammeter in series with the device whose current has to be measured.
5. Here, in the figure, the ammeter is connected in series with the bulb, to measure the current flowing through it.
6. Since, in a series combination, the current flow is the same, the current flowing through the ammeter will be the same as the current flowing through the bulb.

Diagram

Fig: Connection of Ammeter

So, a voltmeter is connected in parallel with a circuit and an ammeter is connected in series with a circuit to measure its voltage and current respectively.