National League for Nursing (NLN PAX) Practice Exam

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Which of these single instruments may be used to measure the current flowing through a circuit?

  1. A voltmeter.

  2. An ammeter.

  3. A potentiometer.

  4. An ohmmeter.

The correct answer is: An ammeter.

An ammeter is designed specifically for measuring the current flowing through a circuit. When connected in series within the circuit, an ammeter provides a direct reading of the current in amperes. This instrument is calibrated to allow for safe and accurate measurement of the flow of electric charge, making it essential for assessing the performance of electrical systems. Other instruments listed serve different purposes: a voltmeter measures the voltage across two points in a circuit and is connected in parallel, a potentiometer is used for measuring voltage and adjusting it, and an ohmmeter is utilized to measure resistance in an electrical component or circuit. Each of these tools has its unique function, but only an ammeter is specifically tailored to quantify current flow.