Fiveable
Fiveable

Voltmeter

Definition

A voltmeter is an instrument used to measure the potential difference or voltage across two points in a circuit. It measures how much electrical energy is being transferred between those points.

Analogy

Imagine you have two buckets of water at different heights. The voltmeter acts like a measuring tape that tells you how much gravitational potential energy exists between those buckets.

Related terms

Electromotive Force (EMF): EMF is the potential difference or voltage produced by a source such as a battery or generator.

Ammeter: An ammeter is an instrument used to measure the electric current flowing through a circuit. It tells us how many charges are passing through it per unit time.

Resistance: Resistance refers to how much opposition there is for electric current flow in a material or component of a circuit.



© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.