What is the primary role of an ammeter?

An ammeter is specifically designed to measure electrical current flowing through a circuit. The fundamental principle behind an ammeter is that it provides a direct measurement of the flow of electric charge, typically expressed in amperes (A). By allowing current to pass through it, the ammeter can give a precise reading of how much current is flowing within a given circuit.

This device operates by being connected in series with the circuit whose current it needs to measure. Since it is tailored to handle current, it does so without introducing significant resistance to the circuit itself, ensuring accurate measurements without affecting the performance of the circuit.

In contrast, devices that measure voltage, such as voltmeters, are designed with different characteristics and are connected in parallel. Similarly, resistance is measured using an ohmmeter, and power measurement typically involves calculations based on both current and voltage readings rather than a direct measurement by a device specifically designed for that purpose. This distinction highlights the specialized role of the ammeter in the context of electric circuitry.