Uncertainty in ammeter and voltmeter?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on determining the uncertainty in measurements taken with a multimeter, specifically regarding current in milliamperes (mA) and voltage in volts (V). The smallest divisions for the ohm meter and voltmeter are 0.01 mA and 0.01 V, respectively. Accuracy is defined as half the smallest division, although this may vary based on the instrument's specifications and scale linearity. Users are advised to consult the multimeter's owner's manual for precise accuracy details for each measurement scale.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of multimeter functionality and measurement types
  • Familiarity with concepts of accuracy and precision in measurements
  • Knowledge of how to interpret specifications from an owner's manual
  • Basic principles of electrical resistance and Ohm's law
NEXT STEPS
  • Research how to read and interpret multimeter specifications
  • Learn about the differences between accuracy, precision, and discrimination in measurements
  • Explore the impact of scale linearity on measurement uncertainty
  • Study best practices for taking measurements with a multimeter
USEFUL FOR

Electronics students, technicians, and engineers who require accurate measurements in electrical circuits, as well as anyone looking to improve their understanding of multimeter usage and measurement uncertainty.

CAH
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I set an ohm meter to record current in mA, smallest 0.01mA, I took three readings for several different resistances.. What would the uncertainty be?

And the same for the voltmeter but reading in volts, smallest 0.01V
 
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It depends on the accuracy of your instrument. By the way, ohm meters measure ohms, not amps.
 
Multimeter sorry! Isn't the accuracy half the smallest division?
 
CAH said:
Multimeter sorry! Isn't the accuracy half the smallest division?
It could be but not necessarily. The scale could be far from linear. Accuracy, Discrimination Precision are all very different things.
 
Try to find the specifications for your multimeter (possibly in the owner's manual). It should list the accuracy for each scale.
 

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