Video Transcript
Which of the following is the
correct symbol for a voltmeter? Is it option (A), (B), (C), (D), or
(E)?
In this problem, we are asked to
identify the voltmeter symbol correctly. First, let’s remember that a
voltmeter is a device capable of measuring the electric potential difference between
two points and therefore can measure the potential difference that exists between
the points in a circuit where a component is added to the circuit. In order to measure the electric
potential difference across a component, the voltmeter has to be connected in
parallel with the component. The symbol for a voltmeter in an
electrical circuit is a circle with a capital V for volt inside.
Now let’s identify each option
given.
For option (A) we see two vertical
lines, one shorter and thicker and another thinner and longer. These represent the negative and
positive terminals of an electric cell. And so this symbol corresponds to a
cell, a source of electric energy in a circuit.
For option (B), we can see a circle
and a capital A inside. This symbol corresponds to an
ammeter because A stands for amperes. Ammeters measure the current in a
circuit.
In option (C), we can see a
circle. And inside it, there’s an X. This symbol corresponds to a light
bulb, with the circle representing a glass bulb and the X representing the glowing
filament inside.
In option (E), we see there is a
circle with a capital M inside. It corresponds to a motor, which
transfers electric energy to kinetic energy.
In option (D), we see that there is
a circle with a capital V inside. And as already mentioned, it
corresponds to a voltmeter. So, we can identify a voltmeter
within the options given, and it’s option (D).
