How to Use a Voltmeter

Summary

This video provides a detailed explanation of how to use a voltmeter, highlighting its basic components and functions. It explains the two voltage ranges (15V and 5V), the connection points for the positive and negative leads, and the importance of measuring voltage as the electric potential difference between two points. The voltmeter is always connected outside the circuit, in parallel, to measure the voltage across specific components like resistors or bulbs. The video emphasizes key definitions and practical steps to ensure accurate voltage readings in various setups.

Takeaways

• 🔌 The voltmeter can be used for any meter, but this one is specific to the classroom setting.
• 📏 There are two ranges: the upper range goes up to 15 volts, and the lower range goes up to 5 volts.
• ⚫ The black connector is for the negative lead, while there are two positive connectors for different voltage ranges.
• ⚡ Voltage is defined as the electric potential difference or energy difference per coulomb between two points.
• 🔋 The voltmeter requires two leads: one positive and one negative. The negative lead always connects to the black terminal.
• ⚖️ You usually start with the 15-volt range, and if the voltage is below 5 volts, you can switch to the 5-volt range.
• 🔀 The voltmeter connects outside the circuit in parallel to measure the voltage between two points.
• 💡 To measure voltage across a resistor or bulb, connect the voltmeter’s leads to the two sides of that part of the circuit.
• 🎯 The voltmeter should always remain outside the circuit, connected to two points to measure the voltage between them.
• 📚 The script emphasizes the definition of voltage as the energy difference per coulomb and explains the practical use of a voltmeter.

Q & A

What does the big 'V' on a voltmeter indicate?

The big 'V' indicates that the device is a voltmeter, used to measure voltage.

How many voltage ranges are available on the voltmeter described in the script?

There are two voltage ranges: one with a maximum of 15 volts and another with a maximum of 5 volts.

What are the functions of the connectors on the voltmeter?

The black connector is for the negative lead, while the two positive connectors are used for the 5-volt and 15-volt ranges.

How is voltage defined according to the script?

Voltage is defined as the electric potential difference or energy difference per coulomb between two points.

Why does the voltmeter require two leads for measurement?

The voltmeter requires two leads—one positive and one negative—to measure the voltage between two points in a circuit.

What is the recommended starting range on the voltmeter when measuring voltage?

It is generally recommended to start with the 15-volt range and then move to the 5-volt range if the reading is below 5 volts.

How should the voltmeter be connected to a circuit?

The voltmeter should be connected in parallel to the circuit, outside the circuit itself, with its leads touching the two points of interest.

What happens if you measure voltage using the wrong range on the voltmeter?

Using the wrong range can result in inaccurate measurements or an overload on the voltmeter, which may damage the device.

Why is the voltmeter always connected outside the circuit?

The voltmeter is connected outside the circuit to accurately measure the voltage between two points without affecting the circuit's operation.

What are some common components across which voltage is measured, as mentioned in the script?

Common components include resistors and bulbs, as mentioned in the example provided in the script.