What does a voltmeter measure?

A voltmeter is specifically designed to measure the electrical potential difference, also known as voltage, between two points in an electrical circuit. This measurement is expressed in volts, which is the standard unit for electrical potential difference. When a voltmeter is connected across a component or a section of a circuit, it provides a direct reading of how much electrical potential energy exists to move charges through that section.

In contrast, other devices have different functions. For instance, an ammeter is used to measure current in amperes, a multimeter can measure resistance in ohms, and a wattmeter is used to measure power in watts. Each of these tools is essential for electrical diagnostics, but they serve distinct purposes based on the properties of electricity they are designed to measure. Thus, recognizing that the voltmeter focuses solely on voltage helps clarify its unique role in understanding and troubleshooting electrical circuits.