Popular Branches
MBA
B.Tech
BBA
BSc
Home > News & Articles > Difference Between Ammeter and Voltmeter: Definitions, Applications, Sample Questions
Updated on 09th May, 2023 , 5 min read
Electrical devices known as voltmeters and ammeters are both used to measure two distinct factors in an electric circuit. Voltmeters are used to detect potential differences between two points in electrical or electronic circuits, whereas ammeters are used to measure current flow in closed circuits quantitatively. Practically, a galvanometer can be used to produce analogue versions of both of them. An electromechanical device called a galvanometer is used to determine if there is or is not current flowing through an electric circuit. It functions like a voltmeter when a very high resistance is connected in series with the galvanometer. On the other hand, it behaves like an ammeter when a modest resistance is connected in parallel with the galvanometer.
The measurement of voltage and the flow of current are done using voltmeters and ammeters, respectively. The way these two devices are used differs significantly. To learn more about the distinctions between an ammeter and a voltmeter, see the table below.
Parameter |
Ammeter |
Voltmeter |
Measuring Parameter |
It is used to measure the current flow. |
It is used to measure the voltage or potential accross two points in an electirc circuit. |
Resistance Factor |
The resistance is quite low. |
The resistance is bery high. |
Connection Type |
It is connected to the circuit in series, and it also has more accuracy. |
It is parallel to the circuit and has a lower degree of precision. |
Range |
It is not possible to change the range. |
It is possible to change the range. |
Ideal constraints |
The resistance must be zero for the perfect |
The resistance for a perfect voltmeter device must be close to infinity. |
Symbol representation |
It is represented by the symbol ‘A.' |
It is represented by the symbol ‘V.' |
Accuracy |
Accurate. |
Less accurate. |
This term was created using the ampere metre. The measurement tool used in electrical equipment is called an ammeter. It is used to gauge how much current is moving through the circuit. It measures with great accuracy. Even at milli- or micro-amperes, the ammeter can measure very small currents. Ammeter is connected in series to the measuring circuit in order to measure the current. This is so that the circuit's entire current can flow through it. The ammeter is used to measure a little amount of current, and the result is shown in milliamperes when it is connected in series with the circuit that has to be tested to flow the circuit's complete current through it.
In electrical instruments, the voltmeter is a component that is frequently used to measure voltage. It has a parallel connection to the electrical circuit whose potential is being determined. The positive terminal of the voltmeter is connected to the positive polarity of the supply, while the negative terminal is connected to the negative polarity, just as the ammeter. To measure the potential, a parallel connection between the voltmeter and the electrical circuit is made.
Following are the key differences between ammeter and voltmeter.
Question 1- What is a differential voltmeter?
Solution- The differential voltmeter is a type of voltmeter that is useful for determining the voltage difference between known and unidentified sources. Potentiometer voltmeter is another name for this gadget. This is because it uses a similar operating system to a potentiometer. It is divided into two types based on AC or DC: AC differential voltmeter and DC differential.
Question 2- What is digital voltmeter?
Solution- The device that can be used to measure the electrical potential difference between two places in a circuit is a digital voltmeter. Direct current or alternating current may be present in this situation. Pulse generator, gating, counting clock pulses, analogue to digital conversion, and latching are the five functional components of a digital voltmeter.
Question 3- What are the different types of voltmeter?
Solution- Following are the different types of voltmeter based on their construction.
Question 4- What are the readings of the voltmeter and ammeter in the following circuit?
Solution- In the above diagram, the net resistance of the resistors connected in parallel is,
1/RP = 1/100 + 1/100
1/RP = 2/100 = 1/50
RP = 50
This is connected in series with another resistor of 100, therefore the net resistance is:
Req = 100 + 50
Req = 150
I = V/R
I = 6/150
I = 0.04 A (Reading of Ammeter)
Now, V = IR
V = 0.04 100
V = 4 V (Reading of Voltmeter)
Ques. Find the reading of the voltmeter in the circuit given below.
Ans. In the circuit shown above, the net resistance is,
Req = 300
I = V / Req
I = 30 / 300 = 0.1 A
Now, reading of voltmeter (V) = IR
V = 0.1 125
V = 12.5 V
entiometer Voltmeter."
Was this Article Helpful/Relevant or did you get what you were looking for ?
👍 1,234
👎234
D Pharmacy: Admission 2024, Subjects, Colleges, Eligibility, Fees, Jobs, Salary
By - Nikita Parmar 2023-11-04 08:11:48 , 7 min readHow to Become a Pilot after 12th: In India, Courses, Exams, Fees, Salary 2023
By - Nikita Parmar 2023-08-25 09:48:44 , 11 min read