How is a voltmeter connected in the circuit to measure the potential difference between two points?

A voltmeter is connected in parallel in a circuit to measure the potential difference (voltage) between two points. Connecting a voltmeter in parallel ensures that it measures the voltage across the component or points in the circuit without disturbing the current flow. Here’s how you would connect a voltmeter:

1. Identify the Points for Voltage Measurement:
Determine the two points in the circuit between which you want to measure the potential difference.

2. Turn Off the Circuit:
Before making any connections, ensure that the circuit is turned off. This is important to avoid any safety hazards and to prevent damage to the voltmeter.

3. Connect the Leads:
Connect the voltmeter leads (red and black) to the points in the circuit where you want to measure the voltage. The red lead is typically connected to the point at higher potential, and the black lead is connected to the point at lower potential.

4. Parallel Connection:
Connect the voltmeter in parallel with the component or points you are measuring. This means that the voltmeter is connected in a way that allows current to flow through the component or points being measured, while the voltmeter measures the potential difference across them.

. Connect the red lead of the voltmeter to the higher potential point.
. Connect the black lead of the voltmeter to the lower potential point.

5. Turn On the Circuit:
After making the connections, you can turn on the circuit.

6. Select the Voltage Range:
Set the voltmeter to an appropriate voltage range. Most voltmeters have multiple voltage ranges, and you should select a range that allows you to measure the voltage accurately.

7. Read the Voltage:
Once the circuit is on and the voltmeter is connected, you can read the voltage directly from the voltmeter’s display.

Remember that when using a voltmeter, it should have a high resistance compared to the component or points being measured to avoid drawing significant current and altering the voltage across the points. Connecting the voltmeter in parallel ensures that it measures the voltage directly without affecting the current flow in the circuit.