Finding current in an electric circuit

AI Thread Summary
A voltmeter with a resistance of 50kΩ is used to measure the electric potential difference in a circuit with a 5.0 V emf. The initial calculations did not consider the internal resistance of the voltmeter, leading to an incorrect voltage reading. It was clarified that the 50kΩ refers to the voltmeter's resistance, not an external resistor. The discussion highlights the importance of accounting for the voltmeter's resistance in circuit calculations. Understanding this concept is crucial for accurate measurements in electrical circuits.
ImpCat
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Homework Statement


A voltmeter of resistance 50kΩ is used to measure the electric potential difference in a circuit, as shown. The cell has an electromotive force (emf) of 5.0 V and negligible internal resistance.

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Homework Equations


I=V/R
V=IR

The Attempt at a Solution


I=5/150000 I=3.33E-5
V=50000*3.33E-5=1.7 V

But the answer is 1 V. How?
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You did not account for the internal resistance of the voltmeter.
 
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Doc Al said:
You did not account for the internal resistance of the voltmeter.

How do you account for the internal resistance of a voltmeter though? It's not provided. Plus isn't voltmeters purposefully created with high resistance so as to create as little change in the circuit as possible?
 
ImpCat said:
How do you account for the internal resistance of a voltmeter though? It's not provided. Plus isn't voltmeters purposefully created with high resistance so as to create as little change in the circuit as possible?
You're told it is 50kΩ. (That's separate to the resistor of the same value in the circuit.)

There may be reasons it can't always designed to be near "infinity".
 
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NascentOxygen said:
You're told it is 50kΩ.

There may be reasons it can't always designed to be "infinity".

Ohhhh I see, I thought the 50kΩ is the resistance of the resistor! Maybe I should've read the question more clearly. :woot:
 
See my amended reply.
 
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