Examkin

Question

Difficulty: EasyMultimeter: Voltage and Current Measurement

A technician needs to measure the electrical current flowing through a specific branch of a direct current (DC) circuit. How must the digital multimeter be connected into the circuit to obtain an accurate reading?

  1. A
    In parallel across the circuit load while the selector dial is set to direct-current voltage (DCV)
  2. In series with the circuit branch so that the entire branch current passes through the meterAnswer
  3. C
    In parallel directly across the power supply terminals while set to the amperes range
  4. D
    In series with the circuit branch while the selector dial is set to alternating-current voltage (ACV)

Answer

In series with the circuit branch so that the entire branch current passes through the meter
Electrical current is the rate of electron flow through a conductor. To measure current, the circuit loop must be broken and the digital multimeter inserted in series so that all electrons traveling through that branch pass directly through the meter's low-resistance sensing circuit.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the electrical quantity being measured and its physical nature
Electric current is the continuous rate of charge flow through a closed conductive loop
Understanding that current is a flow through a conductor determines how the measuring instrument must be placed in the circuit
2
Determine the correct meter configuration and circuit connection
The circuit must be physically opened and the meter inserted in series (in line) with the load path
An ammeter possesses very low internal resistance and must form part of the conductive path so that all electrons pass through the meter without impeding normal operation

Key Concept

Series Ammeter Connection in DC Circuits
Estimated Time:45s
Rate this question

Topics

Multimeter: Voltage and Current Measurement

More questions from this topic