Why is an ammeter always connected in series and a voltmeter always in parallel in a circuit?
An electric current is a flow of electric charge. Current flows from negative to positive points. we can measure the current by using Ammeter.
The use of the ammeter is to measure the current flowing from the circuit so ammeter is connected in the series with the circuit. As the ammeter is a low impedance device, so connecting it parallel to the circuit causes a short circuit, which damages the ammeter or circuit. It should be connected to the series so that the maximum current can flow from it for accurate measurements of the current.
Resistance of Ammeter is very low if it is connected in parallel to a circuit, then the maximum current flow from it which make the short circuit.
Voltage means Potential difference between two points.
The potential difference defines the difference in electrical potential between two points. Therefore, when you use the Voltmeter, you have to add it between two separate points. Thus, the voltmeter calculates the difference of electrical potential between those two points.
If you add the Voltmeter to the series, then there are no different points because you add it to the same potential difference on the same wire.
As the voltmeter is a high resistance device, so connecting it in series to the circuit it will allow very less current flowing from it.
A voltmeter is a high impedance device and connecting it in series with the device may cause higher losses and thus damaging the device.
