Potential Difference: Effects of Voltmeter Connection

In summary, when a voltmeter is connected across the terminals of a source of EMF, the potential difference across the battery will decrease due to its internal resistance. However, the emf of the source remains the same as it is a measure of the energy supplied per unit charge, measured when no current is flowing through the source.
  • #1
tin llenaresas
18
0
what happens to the potential difference of a source of emf when a voltmeter is connected across its terminals?
tanx. :smile:
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
HINT: Does current flow when the voltmeter is connected?
 
  • #3
hey tide,

ideal voltmeters should have infinite resistance so as not to alter current but real voltmeters have finite resistance.does our voltmeter, in any way, still alter the current flowing through our set-up?
 
  • #4
I assume that the source of EMF that you have in mind is a battery. Batteries have internal resistance and if there is current flowing through the battery then, by Ohm's Law, there must be a potential difference across the resistance.
 
  • #5
so, does the voltmeter affects the potential difference of a source?
 
  • #6
Yes, the potential difference across the battery will decrease but still the emf of the source remains the same. The emf of a source is the energy supplied by the source per unit charge and is measured by the potential difference across the terminals, when no current is flowing through the source.
 

1. What is potential difference?

Potential difference, also known as voltage, is the difference in electric potential between two points in an electric circuit. It is measured in volts and is an indication of the amount of energy needed to move charged particles from one point to another.

2. How is potential difference measured?

Potential difference is measured using a voltmeter, which is a device that is connected in parallel to the circuit. The voltmeter measures the voltage between two points in the circuit and displays the result in volts.

3. What are the effects of incorrect voltmeter connections?

Incorrect voltmeter connections can lead to inaccurate measurements and potentially damage the voltmeter or the circuit. Connecting the voltmeter in series instead of parallel can cause a significant drop in voltage, while connecting it to a higher voltage than it is designed for can damage the voltmeter.

4. How does the placement of the voltmeter affect the measurement of potential difference?

The placement of the voltmeter can affect the measurement of potential difference. Connecting the voltmeter in parallel to the component being measured will provide an accurate reading of the potential difference across that component. Connecting it in series with the component will cause a voltage drop and give an incorrect reading.

5. What is the significance of potential difference in circuits?

Potential difference is essential in circuits as it is what drives the flow of electric current. It is the driving force behind the movement of charged particles and is necessary for the functioning of many electronic devices. Measuring potential difference also allows for the identification of faulty components or circuits in an electrical system.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
256
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
8K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
14
Views
832
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
555
Replies
4
Views
860
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
762
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
163
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
1K
Replies
22
Views
1K
Back
Top