What type of measurement can a voltmeter provide?

A voltmeter is specifically designed to measure voltage, which is the electrical potential difference between two points in a circuit. This measurement is crucial for understanding how much electric potential energy is available to drive current through a circuit.

When you connect a voltmeter across a component, it provides a reading of the voltage drop that occurs as current flows through that component. This information can help diagnose issues in electrical circuits, ensure components are functioning correctly, and provide valuable insights into the operational parameters of a system.

While a voltmeter can provide important information about voltage, other types of measurements, such as current, resistance, and power, are performed by different devices. For example, an ammeter measures current, a multimeter can measure resistance as well as voltage and current in different settings, and a wattmeter is used for power measurements. Each instrument serves a specific purpose in the field of electrical and electronic measurements, reinforcing the importance of using the appropriate tool for each type of measurement needed.