Question

Name the device used to measure electric current and potential in the circuit. How are they connected?

Answer 1

Step1: Ammeter

1. An ammeter is a measuring instrument that is used for the measurement of electric current in an electric circuit.
2. An ammeter has a low resistance.
3. It measures current in amperes or milli amperes.

Step2: Voltmeter

1. A voltmeter, also known as a voltage meter, is an instrument used for measuring the potential difference, between two points in an electrical or electronic circuit.
2. It can measure voltages of either direct or alternating electric current.
3. Its scale is usually graduated in volts, millivolts, or kilovolts.
4. Many voltmeters are digital, giving readings as numerical displays.

Step3: Connections

1. Voltmeters are connected in parallel with whatever device's voltage is to be measured.
2. A parallel connection is used for voltmeters because objects in parallel experience the same potential difference
3. Whereas the ammeter is connected in series with the load to measure the electric current flowing through it.
4. In a series connection, the current flowing through all the circuit components is the same.
5. The ammeter measures the current in the circuit, hence it is connected in series so that the same current that is there in the circuit flows through it and gets measured.

Thus, a voltmeter reads potential difference while an ammeter reads current.