Which instrument measures the voltage between two points in a circuit?

Which instrument measures the voltage between two points in a circuit?

• A. Voltmeter
• B. Ammeter
• C. Ohmmeter
• D. Multimeter

Answer: (A)

Measuring the electrical potential difference between two points requires an instrument designed to read voltage. A voltmeter is connected across those two points in parallel, so it measures the potential difference without diverting significant current from the circuit. Its high internal resistance minimizes disturbance to the circuit, allowing an accurate reading of the true voltage. An ammeter is used to measure current and is placed in series, so it’s not meant for voltage. An ohmmeter measures resistance by applying a test current to a component, typically when the circuit is unpowered. A multimeter can measure voltage, current, and resistance, but when the task is specifically to determine the voltage between two points, the dedicated instrument is the voltmeter.

Measuring the electrical potential difference between two points requires an instrument designed to read voltage. A voltmeter is connected across those two points in parallel, so it measures the potential difference without diverting significant current from the circuit. Its high internal resistance minimizes disturbance to the circuit, allowing an accurate reading of the true voltage. An ammeter is used to measure current and is placed in series, so it’s not meant for voltage. An ohmmeter measures resistance by applying a test current to a component, typically when the circuit is unpowered. A multimeter can measure voltage, current, and resistance, but when the task is specifically to determine the voltage between two points, the dedicated instrument is the voltmeter.