An ammeter is used to measure which electrical quantity, and how is it connected?

An ammeter is used to measure which electrical quantity, and how is it connected?

• A. It measures voltage.
• B. It measures current but is connected in parallel.
• C. It measures current and is connected in series.
• D. It measures resistance.

Answer: (C)

An ammeter measures the flow of electric current and must be connected in series with the circuit so that all the current passes through it. This placement lets the meter read the actual current flowing through the branch. If it were placed in parallel, its very low resistance would create an alternate path, diverting current and distorting the reading or even causing a short. So the correct approach is to measure current in series.

An ammeter measures the flow of electric current and must be connected in series with the circuit so that all the current passes through it. This placement lets the meter read the actual current flowing through the branch. If it were placed in parallel, its very low resistance would create an alternate path, diverting current and distorting the reading or even causing a short. So the correct approach is to measure current in series.