A voltmeter is always connected in parallel and an ammeter in series with the circuit. Why? Will they record the respective parameters if connected in opposite manner?
Answers
An ammeter is connected in series with the circuit because the purpose of the ammeter is to measure the current through the circuit. Since the ammeter is a low impedance device, connecting it in parallel with the circuit would cause a short circuit, damaging the ammeter and/or the circuit. It should be connected in series, so that maximum current can pass through it, for accurate measurement of current. Moreover its resistance is very low, if it is connected in parallel in a circuit, it will by the current, and current can not be measured accurately. If you do not connect the ammeter in series you will shunt the load, basically excluding the resistive element of the circuit.
Voltage difference means difference in the electrical potential between two points. So, when you use voltmeter, you need to provide it 2 different points (which are usually, before and after a resistance wire) Thus, the voltmeter calculates the difference in electrical potential between those 2 points.
Voltage difference means difference in the electrical potential between two points. So, when you use voltmeter, you need to provide it 2 different points (which are usually, before and after a resistance wire) Thus, the voltmeter calculates the difference in electrical potential between those 2 points. If you connect the voltmeter in series, there are no 2 different points as you connect it on the same wire with same potential difference (potential difference is same because no additional resistance is present in it).
Ammeter:-
An ammeter is just a converted Galvanometer and measures the current flowing through the circuit by showing proportional deflection. An ammeter is formed by connecting a Galvanometer with a low resistance in parallel.
So the Ammeter is connected in series with the circuit elements and measures the current flow in a circuit.
Voltmeter:-
A Voltmeter is also a converted Galvanometer which measures the amount of Voltage (or) in other words the potential difference accross two points in a circuit. A voltmeter is formed by connecting a Galvanometer in series with a high resistance.
So the Voltmeter is attached in parallel in a circuit and measures the voltage in a circuit.
And if this is not maintained then there is a high chance for the ammeter to get damaged due to low resistance and thus won't record the respective parameters if connected in an opposite manner.