The discussion revolves around a circuit involving a battery of emf 12 V, a resistor of 6 Ω, an ideal ammeter, and an ideal voltmeter, with the ammeter and voltmeter connected in series with the battery and resistor. Participants explore the implications of this configuration on the readings of the ammeter and voltmeter.
The conversation has progressed with participants providing insights into the behavior of ideal voltmeters and ammeters. Some have suggested that the infinite resistance of the voltmeter would prevent current flow, leading to specific readings, while others have raised questions about the implications of this setup. There is an ongoing exploration of the effects of different configurations on the circuit.
Participants are considering the properties of ideal measuring devices and how these properties affect circuit behavior. There is an exercise proposed regarding the consequences of connecting the components in parallel, which has prompted further discussion on potential outcomes.
Devs said:I realize that an ammeter is always in series but a voltmeter is always in parallel.
CWatters said:Correct. A volt meter is normally connected in parallel... but not in this question. What effect would that have?
CWatters said:No that's not correct. What are the properties of an _ideal_ voltmeter?
I am not sure but it will have infinite voltage and 2A current?CWatters said:So what happens if you put an infinite resistance in series with a 12V source and a 6R resistor?
CWatters said:No. Revise how to add resistors that are in series. For example a 100R and a 200R in series is equivalent to a 300R.
Thanks a lot!CWatters said:Correct.
The infinite resistance of the ideal voltmeter stops any current flowing. So the ammeter reads 0A.
If no current is flowing there is no voltage drop across the 6R so the voltmeter "sees" the full 12V.
If you fancy an exercise... What would happen if the 12V battery, 6R, ammeter and voltmeter were all in parallel with each other rather than series? (Hint: Don't try it at home).
Devs said:Regarding the exercise...since they are all in parallel, an extremely high level ofvoltagecurrent will pass through the ammeter causing it to blow up.