Lesson: Alternating Current Ammeters Physics

In this lesson, we will learn how to describe the construction of ammeters using the thermal expansion of conducting wires to measure alternating currents.

Lesson Plan

Students will be able to

identify the components of a hot-wire ammeter and their configuration,
explain the functions of the configured components of a hot-wire ammeter,
recognize the disadvantages of the hot-wire ammeter.

Lesson Presentation

Lesson Video

Lesson Explainer

Lesson Worksheet

Q1:

Which of the following would help reduce developing zero errors in a hot-wire ammeter?

Q2:

Which of the following diagrams most correctly shows the divisions of the scale of a hot-wire ammeter corresponding to equal changes in current?

Q3:

A hot-wire ammeter is calibrated by using it to measure a direct current source that is also measured by a direct-current ammeter. Which of the following most correctly explains why the divisions on the scale of a hot-wire ammeter would not be spaced equivalently to the divisions on the scale of a direct-current ammeter that had the same resistance?