What is the difference between an ammeter and a voltmeter?
1 Answer
An ammeter and a voltmeter are both electrical measuring instruments used to quantify different electrical properties in a circuit. Here are the main differences between the two:
Purpose:
Ammeter: An ammeter is used to measure electrical current in a circuit. Electrical current is the flow of electric charge (usually measured in amperes) through a conductor like a wire.
Voltmeter: A voltmeter, on the other hand, is employed to measure the voltage difference between two points in a circuit. Voltage (measured in volts) is the potential difference that drives the electric current through a circuit.
Measurement Method:
Ammeter: To measure current, an ammeter needs to be connected in series with the circuit. This means that the current flows through the ammeter itself, and the ammeter measures the amount of current passing through it.
Voltmeter: To measure voltage, a voltmeter needs to be connected in parallel across the component or points in the circuit where the voltage is to be measured. This way, the voltmeter measures the potential difference between those two points without significantly affecting the circuit's current flow.
Connection:
Ammeter: An ammeter is connected in series with the circuit, meaning it becomes a part of the current path.
Voltmeter: A voltmeter is connected in parallel with the circuit, meaning it connects across the points where the voltage is to be measured.
Reading:
Ammeter: The reading on an ammeter represents the amount of current flowing through the circuit at that specific point.
Voltmeter: The reading on a voltmeter represents the potential difference (voltage) between the two points in the circuit where it is connected.
Measurement Units:
Ammeter: The current is measured in amperes (A) or milliamperes (mA) for smaller currents.
Voltmeter: The voltage is measured in volts (V) or millivolts (mV) for smaller voltages.
In summary, an ammeter measures the current flowing through a circuit and is connected in series with the circuit, while a voltmeter measures the voltage difference between two points in a circuit and is connected in parallel across those points. Both instruments serve different purposes in electrical measurements and are essential tools for understanding and troubleshooting electrical circuits.
Purpose:
Ammeter: An ammeter is used to measure electrical current in a circuit. Electrical current is the flow of electric charge (usually measured in amperes) through a conductor like a wire.
Voltmeter: A voltmeter, on the other hand, is employed to measure the voltage difference between two points in a circuit. Voltage (measured in volts) is the potential difference that drives the electric current through a circuit.
Measurement Method:
Ammeter: To measure current, an ammeter needs to be connected in series with the circuit. This means that the current flows through the ammeter itself, and the ammeter measures the amount of current passing through it.
Voltmeter: To measure voltage, a voltmeter needs to be connected in parallel across the component or points in the circuit where the voltage is to be measured. This way, the voltmeter measures the potential difference between those two points without significantly affecting the circuit's current flow.
Connection:
Ammeter: An ammeter is connected in series with the circuit, meaning it becomes a part of the current path.
Voltmeter: A voltmeter is connected in parallel with the circuit, meaning it connects across the points where the voltage is to be measured.
Reading:
Ammeter: The reading on an ammeter represents the amount of current flowing through the circuit at that specific point.
Voltmeter: The reading on a voltmeter represents the potential difference (voltage) between the two points in the circuit where it is connected.
Measurement Units:
Ammeter: The current is measured in amperes (A) or milliamperes (mA) for smaller currents.
Voltmeter: The voltage is measured in volts (V) or millivolts (mV) for smaller voltages.
In summary, an ammeter measures the current flowing through a circuit and is connected in series with the circuit, while a voltmeter measures the voltage difference between two points in a circuit and is connected in parallel across those points. Both instruments serve different purposes in electrical measurements and are essential tools for understanding and troubleshooting electrical circuits.