4.5.1

Circuit Measurements

Test yourself

Measurements in Circuits

Several different properties of currents can be measured.

Illustrative background for AmmetersIllustrative background for Ammeters ?? "content

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 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 the charge passing a point per unit time. Current is measured through a component.
  • Potential difference is the work done by a unit charge passing through a component.
  • We describe this as the potential difference measured across a component.

Jump to other topics

1Motion, Forces & Energy

1.1Physical Quantities & Measurement Techniques

1.2Motion

1.3Mass & Weight

1.4Density

1.5Forces: Effects of Forces

1.6Forces: Turning Effects of Forces

1.7Forces: Centre of Gravity

1.8Momentum

1.9Energy, Work, & Power: Energy

1.10Energy, Work & Power: Work

1.11Energy, Work & Power: Energy Resources

1.12Energy, Work & Power: Power

1.13Pressure

2Thermal Physics

3Waves

4Electricity & Magnetism

4.1Simple Phenomena of Magnetism

4.2Electrical Quantities: Electric Charge

4.3Electrical Quantities: Electric Current

4.4Electromotive Force & Potential Difference

4.5Electrical Quantities: Resistance

4.6Electrical Energy & Electrical Power

4.7Electric Circuits: Circuit Diagrams & Components

4.8Electric Circuits: Series & Parallel Circuits

4.9Electric Circuits: Action & Use

4.10Electrical Safety

4.11Electromagnetic Effects: Electromagnetic Induction

4.12Electromagnetic Effects: The A.C. Generator

4.13Magnetic Effect of a Current

4.14Force on a Current-Carrying Conductor

4.15Electromagnetic Effects: The D.C. Motor

4.16Electromagnetic Effects: The Transformer

5Nuclear Physics

6Space Physics

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