What Does a Voltmeter Read When Connected Directly to a Battery?

  • Thread starter Thread starter vlanger
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Circuit
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

A voltmeter connected directly to a battery measures the potential difference between the battery's terminals, providing a reading equivalent to the battery's voltage, such as 9V or 12V. In this scenario, the voltmeter reads the voltage without any influence from external circuit elements. The discussion highlights the importance of correctly interpreting the problem statement to determine the expected voltmeter reading.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic electrical concepts, including voltage and potential difference.
  • Familiarity with voltmeters and their function in measuring electrical voltage.
  • Knowledge of battery specifications, such as nominal voltage ratings (e.g., 9V, 12V).
  • Ability to interpret problem statements in physics or electrical engineering contexts.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the specifications and characteristics of common battery types (e.g., alkaline, lithium-ion).
  • Learn about the principles of using a voltmeter, including proper connection techniques.
  • Explore the concept of open-circuit voltage and its significance in electrical measurements.
  • Investigate common mistakes in interpreting electrical measurement problems and how to avoid them.
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics or electrical engineering, educators teaching electrical measurement concepts, and hobbyists working with batteries and voltmeters.

vlanger
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
"A voltmeter is connected to the terminals of the battery; the battery is not connected to any other external circuit elements. What is the reading of the voltmeter V?"

The voltmeter should be measuring the potential difference between the positive and negative terminals of the battery, which should be the voltage of the battery (ie 9V, 12V). However the problem asks me to find V in volts to 3 sig figs (so I think I should be getting an actual number), but there is no information given about the voltage of the battery. How can I find the reading on the voltmeter?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
never mind, i misread the problem
 

Similar threads

Voltmeter readings for this circuit with switches
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
953
How to Determine the EMF of a Battery Using Two Voltmeters?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Mechanisms Involved When Charging a Battery
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Why do the headlights on the car become dim when the car is starting?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Voltmeter readings across a closed/open switch in circuits
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
10K
Unraveling the Mystery of EMF Internal Resistance
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
How does a simple circuit work?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
1K
Calculate the voltmeter reading for this circuit with 2 sources and 2 resistors
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Voltmeter problem from (OCR paper) multiple choice
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Reading of a voltmeter and an ammeter
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K