Which instrument is used to measure voltage?

Study for the Basic Electricity Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which instrument is used to measure voltage?

Explanation:
Voltage is the electric potential difference between two points, so you need a device that can connect across those points and sense that potential without pulling significant current. The voltmeter is designed for this purpose: it is connected in parallel with the element under test and has high input resistance, so it measures the voltage without appreciably disturbing the circuit. An ammeter, by contrast, measures current and is placed in series, with low resistance to avoid dropping voltage. An oscilloscope can display voltage versus time, giving waveform information rather than just a single static value. A multimeter can measure voltage as well, but the instrument specifically built to measure voltage is the voltmeter.

Voltage is the electric potential difference between two points, so you need a device that can connect across those points and sense that potential without pulling significant current. The voltmeter is designed for this purpose: it is connected in parallel with the element under test and has high input resistance, so it measures the voltage without appreciably disturbing the circuit. An ammeter, by contrast, measures current and is placed in series, with low resistance to avoid dropping voltage. An oscilloscope can display voltage versus time, giving waveform information rather than just a single static value. A multimeter can measure voltage as well, but the instrument specifically built to measure voltage is the voltmeter.

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