What is the correct way of connecting an ammeter and a voltmeter?

1 Answer
Jun 8, 2018

An ammeter is connected in series while a voltmeter is connected in parallel.

Explanation:

An ideal ammeter has almost negligible resistance. As a result, it must be connected in series so that as much current can pass through it as possible. If it is connected in parallel, the circuit will be shorted and no current will pass through any electrical components connected in the circuit.

An ideal voltmeter has infinite amount of resistance. So if connected in series no current will pass through the circuit at all and any electrical components connected won't work. Thus, it must be connected in parallel to measure the potential difference between any two points on the circuit, with almost negligible amount of current passing through the voltmeter itself.