NG, Danica Allyana D.

Lab Assignment and Guided Questions #1

1. What will happen if an ammeter is connected across the line? What will happen if a voltmeter
is connected in series with the load? Explain.

First and foremost, two objects that are parallel to one another experience the same voltage
while those that are in series experience the same current. In order to measure the voltage or
potential difference, the voltmeter must be placed parallel to the device to be analyzed. On the
other hand, in order to measure the current flowing in a circuit, the ammeter must be placed in
series with the device. Connecting a voltmeter or ammeter is like connecting another resistor
in the line.

If the ammeter is connected across the line, the ammeter will burn out. Since an ammeter
initially has a negligible amount of resistance, all the current flowing from the voltage source
will choose to go directly to the ammeter. This results to a “short circuit” in the device.

If the voltmeter is connected in series with the load, the reading or measurement will not
be accurate. A voltmeter initially has a very high resistance, it blocks out the current from
flowing through it, and instead, the current flows through the resistor to be measured. When
the voltmeter is connected in series with the resistor, the current flowing from the voltage
source will not flow through that resistor. This results to an “open circuit.”

2. An ammeter and a voltmeter of suitable ranges are to be used to measure the current and
voltage of an electric lamp. If a mistake were made and the meters interchanged, what will
happen?

The ammeter will burn out. The voltmeter will give inaccurate reading.

3. Some types of fuses used to protect electric meters have resistances of several ohms. Are this
objectionable (a) in ammeter circuits and (b) in voltmeter circuits? Why?

Using an ammeter with a protective fuse is not objectionable because the fuse prevents the
current from overflowing the meter device which causes “short circuiting.” Therefore,
ammeters are usually built with fuses.

Using a voltmeter with a protective fuse is objectionable because it interferes with the
reading that result to incorrect measurement of voltage.

REFERENCES:
https://opentextbc.ca/openstaxcollegephysics/chapter/dc-voltmeters-and-ammeters/
https://www.coursehero.com/file/p4k0p7o/8-An-ammeter-and-a-voltmeter-of-suitable-ranges-are-to-be-
used-to-measure-the/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yE3eQ6q39f4