Which statement describes how a voltmeter is used?

Which statement describes how a voltmeter is used?

• A. It has 1 lead and measures current.
• B. It has 2 leads and measures voltage between two points.
• C. It is connected in series to measure voltage.
• D. It measures resistance when placed across a circuit.

Answer: (B)

A voltmeter is used to measure the potential difference between two points in a circuit, so it must be connected across those points in parallel. It has two leads, one connected to each point, and its high input resistance ensures it draws minimal current and doesn’t disturb the circuit while you measure. That’s why describing it as having two leads and measuring voltage between two points is the correct understanding. The other ideas don’t fit: measuring current requires placing a meter in series, not across points; and measuring resistance is a function of an ohmmeter, typically done with the circuit powered off and across the component, not across an active circuit to read voltage.

A voltmeter is used to measure the potential difference between two points in a circuit, so it must be connected across those points in parallel. It has two leads, one connected to each point, and its high input resistance ensures it draws minimal current and doesn’t disturb the circuit while you measure. That’s why describing it as having two leads and measuring voltage between two points is the correct understanding.

The other ideas don’t fit: measuring current requires placing a meter in series, not across points; and measuring resistance is a function of an ohmmeter, typically done with the circuit powered off and across the component, not across an active circuit to read voltage.