Where would a voltmeter read 0 in a simple circuit?

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    Circuit Voltmeter
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the conditions under which a voltmeter would read 0 volts in a simple circuit, particularly focusing on the placement of measurement points in relation to resistors.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that a voltmeter would read 0 volts between any two points at the same electrical potential.
  • One participant questions where those points are located in a circuit, indicating uncertainty about the conditions under which a voltmeter would read 0.
  • Another participant speculates that in an ideal circuit with wires of 0 resistance, measuring across such points would yield a 0 voltage drop, but seeks clarification on this assumption.
  • A later reply asserts that the initial response is correct and suggests that the question does not require overthinking.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the specifics of where 0 readings occur, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain without a clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about circuit conditions, such as the ideality of components and the presence of resistors, which may affect the interpretations of voltage readings.

lollol
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Assuming a simple circuit with a couple of resistors

Would it just read 0 around 2 points uninterrupted by a resistor?
 
Last edited:
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Any two points at the same potential.
 
well yes of course, anyone who knows what a voltmeter is can tell you that. I think the question is where those points actually are in some circuit.

i don't know.. i think unless the circuit is open you can't have that? i don't know.

edit: Do you mean an ideal circuit where the wires have 0 resistance? In that case I think that may be true; measuring voltage across something with 0 resistance should probably give u 0 voltage drop. I wish someone would clarify that though, I want to know as well
 
Last edited:
I think, considering this is "a simple circuit", we don't need to over-think it. I'd say lollol has the right answer.
 

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