Ammeter vs Voltmeter – Difference and Comparison

What is Ammeter?

An ammeter is a device that is used to measure electric current in a circuit. The device in the circuit is linked in series with the ammeter. Amperes is the SI unit for Ammeter (A). Ammeter’s measurements are exceedingly precise.

The ammeter may even measure very small currents in milli- or micro-amperes. The ammeter can also be used for measuring temperature with a thermocouple. The resistance in an ammeter is quite low. The resistance of an ideal ammeter device should be zero. Since the ammeter’s minimal resistance does not block the current flow, it provides reliable results. In an ammeter, changing the range is not possible. The current of a home electronic gadget can be measured using an ammeter.

Electronics utilise an ammeter to check for circuit faults in the home and business. Ammeters can be used in the presence or absence of a magnetic field. It’s also in charge of detecting both alternating and direct current. There are different types of ammeters such as Permanent Magnet Moving Coil Ammeter, Rectifier Type ammeter, and moving iron ammeter.

What is Voltmeter?

A voltmeter is a device that measures voltage. It determines the difference in electric potential between two points. A voltmeter is connected in parallel with a device to measure the voltage. Because parallel objects have the same potential difference. A short circuit will occur if it is linked in series.

A numerical display is provided by a digital volt metre. The accuracy of a digital voltmeter is unsurpassed. The positive end of a voltmeter is connected to a positive polarity supply, whereas the negative terminal is connected to a negative polarity supply. A voltmeter is represented by the letter V. The testing range of a voltmeter is 500 volts.

An ideal voltmeter’s resistance is infinite. Analog voltmeters, amplified voltmeters, and digital voltmeters are the three types of voltmeters. In laboratories, a voltmeter is used to conduct experiments.

There are five types of voltmeters based on their construction. MI voltmeter, Rectifier Type Voltmeter, electrodynamic voltmeter, PMMC and induction types voltmeter are the different types of voltmeters.

Difference Between Ammeter and Voltmeter

  1. In a circuit, an ammeter measures current and a voltmeter measures voltage or potential difference between two points.
  2. The letter A stands for the ammeter, whereas the letter V stands for the voltmeter.
  3. In a circuit, an ammeter is connected in series, whereas a voltmeter is connected in parallel.
  4. The result of an ammeter measurement is expressed in milli-ampers, while the result of a voltmeter measurement is expressed in volts.
  5. The resistance of the ammeter is low, whereas the resistance of the Voltmeter is high.

Comparison Between Ammeter and Voltmeter

Parameters of Comparison Ammeter Voltmeter
Definition An ammeter is an instrument that is used to measure current in a circuit. A voltmeter is used for measuring voltage.
Connection typeAmmeter is connected in series with the circuit.A Voltmeter is connected in parallel with the circuit.
ResistanceThe resistance of the ammeter is low.The voltmeter has high resistance.
SymbolThe letter A is used to signify an ammeter.The voltmeter is represented by the letter V.
Changing of rangeThe range in an ammeter cannot be changed.Changing the range is possible in voltmeter.

References

  1. https://aapt.scitation.org/doi/abs/10.1119/1.16979
  2. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/7973559/