Solving Circuit with Ideal Ammeter: 4.0 Ohm Resistance

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on determining the current reading of an ideal ammeter connected across a 4.0 ohm resistor. Participants clarify that an ammeter must be connected in series to accurately measure current, but the specific configuration in the provided diagram is ambiguous. It is established that the ideal ammeter can be treated as a wire with no resistance for circuit analysis. The consensus is to calculate the current through the ammeter as it is currently connected, despite its improper placement.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of circuit theory, specifically series and parallel connections.
  • Knowledge of ideal ammeter characteristics and their application in circuit analysis.
  • Familiarity with Ohm's Law for calculating current and resistance.
  • Ability to simplify circuits for analysis, including recognizing series-parallel combinations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of series and parallel circuits in detail.
  • Learn how to apply Ohm's Law in various circuit configurations.
  • Explore circuit simplification techniques for complex networks.
  • Review the characteristics and applications of ideal versus real ammeters.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electrical engineering, circuit designers, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of current measurement in electrical circuits.

Abysmaltan
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Homework Statement


A circuit is setup with an ideal ammeter connected across the 4.0 ohm. What will the reading of the ammeter be?

2. The attempt at a solution
I am not sure whether the question is testing my understanding on how an ammeter should be connected in a circuit or about how to simplify circuits. I know that an ammeter must be connected in series in a circuit, but I cannot tell whether the one in the diagram is connected so. Or do I need to simplify the circuit such that the parallel-series combination of the circuit is more apparent?
 

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An ideal ammeter can simply be replaced by no resistance wire for solving circuit related problems .Replace the ammeter by no resistance wire and then try to solve it.
 
Abysmaltan said:
2. The attempt at a solution
I am not sure whether the question is testing my understanding on how an ammeter should be connected in a circuit or about how to simplify circuits. I know that an ammeter must be connected in series in a circuit, but I cannot tell whether the one in the diagram is connected so. Or do I need to simplify the circuit such that the parallel-series combination of the circuit is more apparent?
Yes, the ammeter is not connected in the proper way, but you have to calculate the current through it as it is. Do what harsh_sinha said.
 

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