Understanding the Internal Resistance of Ammeters and Voltmeters

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SUMMARY

Real ammeters possess internal resistance, which increases the overall resistance in a circuit, leading to a decrease in current. Conversely, real voltmeters have finite internal resistance, which draws current and consequently lowers the measured potential. Ideal instruments, such as an ideal ammeter and voltmeter, do not exhibit these characteristics; the ideal ammeter has no internal resistance while the ideal voltmeter has infinite internal resistance. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurate circuit analysis.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of electrical circuits
  • Familiarity with Ohm's Law
  • Knowledge of measurement tools in electronics
  • Concept of ideal vs. real instruments in electrical measurements
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the impact of internal resistance on circuit performance
  • Learn about the characteristics of ideal vs. real ammeters and voltmeters
  • Explore methods to minimize measurement errors in electrical circuits
  • Study the principles of circuit analysis using Kirchhoff's laws
USEFUL FOR

Students in electrical engineering, laboratory technicians, and anyone involved in circuit design and analysis will benefit from this discussion.

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Homework Statement


I'm writing my sources of error for my lab report and I'm just wondering if its true that the ammeter has internal resistance in it, and that this will increase the resistance in the circuit, which will ultimately decrease the current in the circuit?? Does this sound right??


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The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Yes.

ehild
 
Ideal ammeter has no internal resistance, ideal voltmeter has infinite internal resistance. Real ammeters and voltmeters are not ideal. In effect real ammeter always decreases the current (increasing circuit resistance), and real voltmeter always lowers the potential (drawing a current).
 

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