What does an ammeter measure in an electrical circuit?

An ammeter is specifically designed to measure the current flowing through a circuit. It works by allowing electric charge to pass through it and producing a reading that represents the flow of current, typically measured in amperes (A). To obtain an accurate measurement, the ammeter must be connected in series with the circuit component whose current you want to measure, ensuring it accurately reflects the total current flowing through that path.

Measuring voltage involves the use of a voltmeter, which is connected in parallel to a circuit element, while resistance is measured with an ohmmeter. Power consumption, on the other hand, is calculated using the formula ( P = VI ) where ( P ) is power, ( V ) is voltage, and ( I ) is current, requiring both voltage and current measurements. Each of these measuring instruments serves a distinct purpose, highlighting the unique role that an ammeter plays in assessing current flow in electrical circuits.