Which instrument is used to measure current?

Which instrument is used to measure current?

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

Answer: (A)

Measuring current means sensing the flow of electric charge through a conductor, which is read in amperes. An ammeter is built to be placed in series so all the current in the circuit must pass through it, giving a direct reading of the current. In contrast, a voltmeter is connected in parallel to measure voltage and is designed with high resistance to avoid drawing current; an ohmmeter measures resistance by applying a small current and is used when circuits are de-energized; a wattmeter reads electrical power by combining measurements of voltage and current. So, for directly reading the amount of current, the ammeter is the appropriate instrument.

Measuring current means sensing the flow of electric charge through a conductor, which is read in amperes. An ammeter is built to be placed in series so all the current in the circuit must pass through it, giving a direct reading of the current. In contrast, a voltmeter is connected in parallel to measure voltage and is designed with high resistance to avoid drawing current; an ohmmeter measures resistance by applying a small current and is used when circuits are de-energized; a wattmeter reads electrical power by combining measurements of voltage and current. So, for directly reading the amount of current, the ammeter is the appropriate instrument.