Difference Between Ammeter and Voltmeter, Major Differences
Check out the Differences Between Ammeter and Voltmeter, Increase your understanding and improve the chance of getting high score in NEET exam. Here you will get all the information like Definition, Formula, real life applications and much more.
Praveen Kushwah7 Jun, 2025
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Difference Between Ammeter and Voltmeter : Understanding the basics of electricity is like decoding the secrets of the magical world around us. To understand this first we need to understand the two devices, Ammeter and Voltmeter.
Each has unique applications and each plays a vital role in understanding electrical circuits. Here in this post, we will together explore the major Difference between Ammeter and Voltmeter.| NEET Physics Syllabus | NEET Physics Important Questions with Answers |
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What is Ammeter?
Ammeter, sometimes referred to as the "Current Detective." An ammeter helps us discover the mysteries of electric currents in the same way that a detective solves mysteries. And what is this current of electricity? Think of it like a march of tiny electric charges passing through a wire in a parade. The ammeter monitors the number of charges that flow through a specific point in the wire, much like a traffic police.Formula of Ammeter
The formula for electric current (I) is,I = Q/t
Where (I) is current, (Q) is the amount of charge, and (t) is time. In simple words, it tells us how many electric charges flow through the wire in a given amount of time. Now, let us visualize this using an actual case. Assume you wish to find out how much water is passing through a water hose that you have. The ammeter in this scenario would indicate the quantity of water droplets that pass through each second, much like a tiny water counter.What is a Voltmeter?
It can be considered a Voltage Explorer. While the ammeter counts the electric charges, the voltmeter investigates the energy of these charges. It indicates how much push or pull these charges have.Formula of Voltmeter
The formula for voltage (V) that the voltmeter measures is,V = Q/ W
Where (V) is voltage, (W) is the work done, and (Q) is the amount of charge. This formula helps us understand the force behind the electric charges, and how hard they are pushing or pulling. Now let us apply this to a real-world scenario. Imagine climbing a slide in a playground. The voltage is represented by the slide's height, the higher the voltage, the more energy. The voltmeter would indicate how high or low the slide is, acting as a height-measuring device. When we go deep into the understanding of electricity, we need to understand first the two terms, Ammeter and Voltmeter, one is a current detector and the other is a Voltage explorer. Each has a unique role, contributing to the understanding of electric circuits. The ammeter counts the charges, like a diligent traffic police officer, while the voltmeter explores the energy, acting as a height-measuring tool.Difference Between Ammeter and Voltmeter
Here in this table, you can see the Difference Between Ammeter and Voltmeter based on various parameters. You can get a complete overview at a single glance.| Difference Between Ammeter and Voltmeter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Parameter | Ammeter | Voltmeter |
| Measurement Quantity | Current (in Amperes) | Voltage (in Volts) |
| Symbol | A | V |
| Placement in Circuit | Series | Parallel |
| Resistance | Low (near zero) | High |
| Ideal Usage | Measures current flow through a circuit | Measures potential differences across a component or circuit |
| Connected in Series | Yes | No |
| Connected in Parallel | No | Yes |
| Impact on Circuit | Alters circuit resistance | Minimally affects circuit current |
| Scale Calibration | Low (milliamperes) | High (volts) |
| Device Placement | In series with load | In parallel with load |
Applications of Ammeter
Household Circuits : Ammeters are used to measure the current passing through various household appliances, enabling us to determine how much electricity is being used by each one. Automobiles - Ammeters in cars keep track of the battery's charging and discharging. They guarantee that lights, indicators, and other electrical components operate properly by offering insights into the state of the electrical system.Applications of Voltmeter
Household Outlets - The voltage that comes from household outlets is measured with voltmeters. By doing this, you can make sure that the voltage stays within the range that keeps electrical devices safe to operate.Difference Between Ammeter and Voltmeter
What is the primary difference between an ammeter and a voltmeter?
An ammeter measures electric current, indicating how many charges are flowing through a circuit, while a voltmeter measures voltage, revealing the energy or force behind these charges.
How do their connections in a circuit differ?
An ammeter connects in series with the circuit, becoming a part of the path for electric charges, while a voltmeter connects in parallel, measuring voltage without becoming a part of the main flow
What units do they use for measurement?
Ammeters measure current in units of milliamperes (mA) or amperes (A), while voltmeters measure voltage in volts (V).
How do they impact the circuit they are measuring?
An ammeter affects the circuit by adding a bit of resistance, acting like a tiny obstacle to the electric charges, while a voltmeter minimally affects the circuit, acting more like a curious observer without hindering the flow.
Can they be used interchangeably in a circuit?
No, ammeters and voltmeters serve different purposes. An ammeter is designed to measure current and should be connected in series, while a voltmeter measures voltage and should be connected in parallel. Using them interchangeably can lead to inaccurate readings and potential damage to the instruments.
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