2.1.9

Measurements in Circuit

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Measurements in Circuits

Several different properties of currents can be measured.

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Ammeters

  • An ammeter measures the flow of current that passes through it.
  • Ammeters have to be connected in series (in the same loop of the circuit) with the electrical component whose current you are measuring. For example component X above.
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Voltmeters

  • Voltmeters measure the potential difference (voltage) between two points in a circuit. For example between two points either side of component X above.
  • Voltmeters must always be connected in parallel (on a separate branch of the circuit) with the two points being measured.
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Current vs potential difference

  • The current is a flow of charge. Current is measured through a component.
  • Potential difference is the energy used between two points in a circuit, therefore it is measured between two points either side of a component.
  • We describe this as the potential difference measured across a component.

Jump to other topics

1Energy

2Electricity

3Particle Model of Matter

4Atoms & Radiation

5Forces

5.1Basics of Motion

5.2Forces

5.3Effects of Forces

5.4Pressure

6Waves

7Magnetism

8Astrophysics

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