When using a meter to measure voltage in a simple series circuit, the meter should be connected how?

When using a meter to measure voltage in a simple series circuit, the meter should be connected how?

• A. At the terminals in the control panel
• B. In series
• C. In parallel
• D. At the end of line resistor

Answer: (C)

To measure voltage, connect the voltmeter in parallel with the part of the circuit where you want to know the voltage. A voltmeter has very high internal resistance to draw as little current as possible, so placing it across the component or across the two points where you want the reading lets you measure the potential difference without disturbing the circuit. If you hooked the meter in series, it would become part of the current path, alter the current flow, and the reading would be inaccurate. So in a simple series circuit, you’d place the meter across the element (or across the supply if you want the total source voltage) to read the true voltage.

To measure voltage, connect the voltmeter in parallel with the part of the circuit where you want to know the voltage. A voltmeter has very high internal resistance to draw as little current as possible, so placing it across the component or across the two points where you want the reading lets you measure the potential difference without disturbing the circuit. If you hooked the meter in series, it would become part of the current path, alter the current flow, and the reading would be inaccurate. So in a simple series circuit, you’d place the meter across the element (or across the supply if you want the total source voltage) to read the true voltage.