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An ammeter is connected in series with the circuit being measured because you want to measure the current flowing through the circuit, whereas a voltmeter is connected in parallel with the circuit being measured because you want to measure the voltage across the circuit.
Kirchoff's current law states that the signed sum of the currents entering a node is zero. A consequence of that law is that the current at every point is a series circuit is the same. The ammeter measures that current and, so long as its impedance is not too high, it won't disturb the circuit being measured.
Kirchoff's voltage law, on the other hand, states that the signed sum of the voltage drops in a series circuit adds up to zero. A consequence of that law is that the voltage across parallel nodes must be equal. The voltmeter measures that voltage and, so long as it impedance is not too low, it won't disturb the circuit being measured.
Formalities aside...
An ammeter is a low impedance device. If you were to connect it in parallel with a circuit, it would draw all of the available current from that circuit. It and the circuit or its power supply would be damaged, because the ammeter represents a short circuit.
A voltmeter is a high impedance device. If you were to connect it in series with a circuit, it would prevent any of the available current from reaching that circuit. While it and the circuit would probably not be damaged, the circuit would not function.
Since practical meters are not perfect, the ammeter is not zero ohms impedance, nor is the voltmeter infinity ohms impedance. If you intend to measure both current and voltage in a circuit, it is normal protocol to measure the voltage across the circuit downstream of the ammeter, so that you would not be also measuring the additional voltage drop across the ammeter.
What else can I help you with?
Is a voltmeter placed parallel to a circuit?
Depends. What did you want to measure? If it's voltage drop across the incandescent element, then you had better hook up your infinite resistance voltmeter in parallel with the lamp.
Voltmeter is connected in parallel with resistor?
A voltmeter can be connected in parallel with a resistor to show the voltage across the resistor.
How is ammeter and voltmeter attached to a circuit?
Ammeters are connected in series with the load under test. This requires the load be disconnected from the source, and the ammeter placed in circuit. Voltmeters are connected in parallel with the load under test. This does not require any circuit changes. Sorry, but WikiAnswers does not support illustrations.
How do you check dc voltage... series or parallel?
If you are asking how a voltmeter should be connected in a circuit, then the answer is that it should be connected in parallel with the device across which you want to determine the voltage. This applies whether the circuit is d.c. or a.c.
How are voltmeter connected to circuit?
Usually a voltmeter is connected across the load whether or not it is AC (Alternating current) or DC (Direct Current). A voltmeter is never connected in series with the load as this may cause serious injury or damage. The meter will absorb the full potential .
Is a voltmeter connected in series or parallel in an electrical circuit?
A voltmeter is connected in parallel in an electrical circuit.
How should a ammeter and voltmeter be connected in circuit?
Ammeter is coneccted in series with circuit but Voltmeter is connected in parallel.
Is the voltmeter always connected in series to the circuit?
in parallel
Why is a voltmeter connected in parallel in an electrical circuit?
A voltmeter is connected in parallel in an electrical circuit to measure the voltage across a specific component or part of the circuit without affecting the flow of current through the circuit.
What is the function of the voltmeter in an electric circuit?
A voltmeter is a device to measure the voltage in a electric circuit, and must have be connected in parallel to it.
How can a voltmeter be used to measure the voltage across each component in a parallel circuit?
A voltmeter can be connected in parallel with each component in a parallel circuit to measure the voltage across that specific component. By connecting the voltmeter in parallel, it allows the voltmeter to measure the voltage drop across the component without affecting the overall circuit.
Why is a voltmeter connected in parallel?
A voltmeter is connected in parallel because it measures the voltage across a component or circuit without affecting the flow of current through it. This allows for an accurate reading of the voltage without disrupting the circuit's operation.
Describe the proper placement of a voltmeter in a circuit?
To measure voltage in a circuit, the voltmeter should be connected in parallel across the component or portion of the circuit where the voltage is to be measured. Ensure the voltmeter is set to the appropriate voltage range before making the connection. It is important to place the voltmeter correctly to obtain an accurate voltage reading without affecting the circuit's operation.
Is a voltmeter placed parallel to a circuit?
Depends. What did you want to measure? If it's voltage drop across the incandescent element, then you had better hook up your infinite resistance voltmeter in parallel with the lamp.
The rules of connecting voltmeter and ammeters in the circuit?
Connect ammeter in series and voltmeter in parallel to the circuit
How can a voltmeter be connected in a circuit, either in series or parallel, to measure the voltage across a component accurately?
A voltmeter can be connected in parallel to measure the voltage across a component accurately. This means connecting the voltmeter in a separate branch of the circuit, directly across the component being measured. This allows the voltmeter to measure the voltage without affecting the current flow in the circuit.
What is the purpose of a voltmeter when connected in parallel in an electrical circuit?
A voltmeter connected in parallel in an electrical circuit is used to measure the voltage across a specific component or part of the circuit. It helps to determine the potential difference between two points in the circuit, providing information about the electrical potential at that location.
