For accurate measurements, how should an ammeter be connected in a circuit?

An ammeter is designed to measure the flow of electric current in a circuit, and for accurate measurements, it must be connected in series with the component whose current you want to measure. When connected in series, the entire current flowing through the circuit also flows through the ammeter. This allows the ammeter to provide a direct reading of the current and is essential because the ammeter has a low resistance, which means it won’t significantly affect the overall circuit operation.

If an ammeter were connected in parallel instead, it could create a short circuit that bypasses the component, which would lead to incorrect readings or potentially damage the ammeter and the circuit. Connecting it at ground level or at the power source does not address the basic requirement for measuring current correctly either, as both methods would not give a true representation of the current flowing through the specific load or component of interest.

Therefore, the proper way to use an ammeter for measuring current accurately is to ensure it is connected in series with the current path you are monitoring.