BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

A voltmeter is an instrument specifically designed to measure the electric potential difference, or voltage, between two points in an electrical circuit. When connected in parallel to the component where the voltage needs to be measured, the voltmeter displays the voltage present across that component. This measurement is essential for understanding how electrical energy is distributed and utilized within the circuit.

The design of a voltmeter is crucial for its function; it has a very high internal resistance to ensure that it does not draw significant current from the circuit, which could alter the voltage being measured. By providing an accurate voltage reading, a voltmeter helps in diagnosing circuit behavior, identifying faults, and validating the functioning of electrical components.

Understanding the role of a voltmeter in measuring voltage helps differentiate it from other measuring instruments that focus on different electrical properties, such as current and resistance. For instance, an ammeter measures current and is connected in series, while an ohmmeter measures resistance. Power can be calculated from voltage and current readings but is not directly measured by a voltmeter itself. Hence, the primary and correct function of a voltmeter is to measure voltage.