Measurements in Circuit
Physics: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 2.1.10
Measurements in Circuits
Several different properties of currents can be measured.
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.
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.
Test yourself on Measurements in Circuit
What instrument is used to measure current?
Which of the following are true of measurements of a circuit?