An ammeter should be connected:

An ammeter should be connected:

• A. Across the line.
• B. Around an inductor.
• C. In parallel with the load.
• D. In series with the load.

Answer: (D)

To measure current, the ammeter must be placed in series with the circuit so that the same current flows through the meter as through the load. Ammeters are built with very low resistance to minimize any voltage drop, so they become part of the current path rather than a separate branching element. If you connect the meter across the line (in parallel with the supply), it would present a low-resistance path and largely short the source, not measure the load current. Placing it around a component like an inductor or in parallel with the load would divert current away from the load or bypass part of the circuit, giving an incorrect reading. Therefore, the correct connection is in series with the load.

To measure current, the ammeter must be placed in series with the circuit so that the same current flows through the meter as through the load. Ammeters are built with very low resistance to minimize any voltage drop, so they become part of the current path rather than a separate branching element. If you connect the meter across the line (in parallel with the supply), it would present a low-resistance path and largely short the source, not measure the load current. Placing it around a component like an inductor or in parallel with the load would divert current away from the load or bypass part of the circuit, giving an incorrect reading. Therefore, the correct connection is in series with the load.