Question Video: Recalling Whether an Ammeter Should Be Connected in Series or in Parallel Science • Third Year of Preparatory School

Video Transcript

The diagram shows an electric circuit consisting of a cell and a bulb. Fill in the blank. In order to measure the current through the bulb, an ammeter must be connected blank with the bulb. Is it (A) in parallel or (B) in series?

Let us consider what we mean by a serial connection and a parallel connection. A serial connection is for components that are connected in series. A parallel connection is for components that are connected in parallel.

When an ammeter is used to measure an electric current in a component, the ammeter and the component must be connected in series. If the ammeter is connected in parallel to the component, it will not correctly measure the electric current in the component. The correct answer is option (B). The ammeter must be connected in series.