Circuit Diagram Physics Example 2

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Example 2

medium
A circuit diagram shows a 10 V10 \text{ V} battery, a 5 Ω5 \text{ } \Omega resistor, and a voltmeter connected in parallel across the resistor. The circuit also has a 2 A2 \text{ A} current. What does the voltmeter read? Is the voltmeter connection correct?

Solution

  1. 1
    A voltmeter measures potential difference and must be connected in parallel across the component.
  2. 2
    Voltage across the 5 Ω5 \text{ } \Omega resistor: V=IR=2×5=10 VV = IR = 2 \times 5 = 10 \text{ V}.
  3. 3
    The voltmeter reads 10 V10 \text{ V}. Yes, the connection is correct — voltmeters go in parallel (they have very high internal resistance to avoid drawing significant current).

Answer

V=10 VV = 10 \text{ V}
A voltmeter must be connected in parallel across a component to measure the potential difference. It has very high resistance so it draws negligible current and does not disturb the circuit.

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