What is the function of a voltmeter in an electrical circuit?

The function of a voltmeter in an electrical circuit is to measure voltage, which is the electrical potential difference between two points in the circuit. This measurement is essential for diagnosing issues, ensuring components are operating within their specified voltage range, and verifying that the circuit behaves as expected.

When connected across two points, the voltmeter provides a reading in volts, giving an indication of the amount of electrical energy available to drive current through a load. Understanding the voltage in a circuit aids technicians in assessing circuit performance and safety, as excessive voltage can lead to component damage, while insufficient voltage may prevent devices from functioning correctly.

A voltmeter is designed specifically for this purpose and operates based on the principle of high internal resistance, which minimizes the disturbance it causes to the circuit being measured. This ensures accurate readings without significantly affecting the circuit's operation.

The other functions, such as measuring resistance, current, or frequency, are handled by different types of instruments like ohmmeters and ammeters, or more advanced devices like oscilloscopes, respectively, and are not the primary function of a voltmeter.