An ammeter is a measuring device used to measure the electric current in a circuit. A voltmeter is connected in parallel with a device to measure its voltage, while an ammeter is connected in series with a device to measure its current.

How do you connect an ammeter?

An ammeter has been a measuring instrument which will be useful for measuring the electric current in a circuit. An ammeter will be always connected in series as it has a low resistance and the Voltmeter will be always connected in parallel because it will be having a high resistance.

How is the ammeter connected to the battery?

The ammeters are always connected in series in the circuit to measure the current. If your circuit is just a battery and a resistor, you must open the circuit, connect the ammeter in series, then close the circuit.

Why an ammeter should never be placed across the battery?

If the ammeter is accidently connected across a substantial voltage source, the resultant surge in current will “blow” the fuse and render the meter incapable of measuring current until the fuse is replaced. Be very careful to avoid this scenario!

What will happen when an ammeter is connected in parallel with a battery?

Ammeter aims at measuring the current flowing through the circuit and hence, it is connected in series. When ammeter is connected in parallel to the circuit, net resistance of the circuit decreases. Hence more current is drawn from the battery, which damages the ammeter.

Can you use an ammeter on a battery?

I had the concept that in order to check the maximum current a battery can supply, it is fine to connect an ammeter in series with battery because ammeter has low resistance in series and this will yield the maximum current a battery can supply.

What does an ammeter do?

Ammeter, instrument for measuring either direct or alternating electric current, in amperes. An ammeter can measure a wide range of current values because at high values only a small portion of the current is directed through the meter mechanism; a shunt in parallel with the meter carries the major portion.

Why must a voltmeter be connected in parallel?

In order for a voltmeter to measure a devices voltage, it must be connected in parallel to that device. This is necessary because objects in parallel experience the same potential difference.

What happens when ammeter connected in parallel?

Ammeter aims at measuring the current flowing through the circuit and hence, it is connected in series. When ammeter is connected in parallel to the circuit, net resistance of the circuit decreases. Hence more current is drawn from the battery, which damages the ammeter.

Why voltmeter is connected in parallel?

In order for a voltmeter to measure a devices voltage, it must be connected in parallel to that device. This is necessary because objects in parallel experience the same potential difference. The potential differentiation of the circuit is measured by a voltmeter and it has high internal resistance.