Which instrument measures current?

Which instrument measures current?

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

Answer: (B)

Measuring current requires placing a device in series with the circuit so the same current flows through it. An ammeter is designed for this purpose and is connected in series with the load, presenting very low internal resistance to minimize disturbance to the circuit. A voltmeter, by contrast, is connected in parallel across a component to measure voltage (potential difference). An ohmmeter measures resistance by applying a known signal and observing the response. A multimeter is a versatile tool that can measure current, voltage, and resistance, but when specifically identifying the instrument used to measure current in a straightforward circuit setup, the ammeter is the one designed for that task.

Measuring current requires placing a device in series with the circuit so the same current flows through it. An ammeter is designed for this purpose and is connected in series with the load, presenting very low internal resistance to minimize disturbance to the circuit.

A voltmeter, by contrast, is connected in parallel across a component to measure voltage (potential difference). An ohmmeter measures resistance by applying a known signal and observing the response. A multimeter is a versatile tool that can measure current, voltage, and resistance, but when specifically identifying the instrument used to measure current in a straightforward circuit setup, the ammeter is the one designed for that task.