The Aftermath
2. Resistance is NOT Futile (Especially in this Scenario)
Voltmeters have a very high internal resistance. It’s part of their design. When you connect a voltmeter in series, you’re essentially inserting a massive roadblock into the path of the current. This is where things get interesting (and by interesting, I mean potentially problematic).
The high resistance drastically reduces the current flowing through the entire circuit. Imagine trying to run a marathon while wearing flippers. You’ll technically be running, but it’s going to be a slow, awkward, and exhausting experience. That’s your circuit with a series voltmeter.
The voltage reading you get will likely be the source voltage, or close to it, as nearly all voltage drops across the voltmeter due to its large resistance. This is not the intended measurement, and it renders the voltmeter useless in the context of the circuit.
In other words, the other components in your circuit will be starved of power. They might not function correctly, or at all. Its like trying to power a whole house with a tiny watch battery.
3. Beyond Inaccuracy
Depending on the circuit and the voltmeter’s specifications, there’s a small chance that connecting it in series could damage the voltmeter itself. If the current forced through the high resistance is too high, internal components might overheat or fail. Its akin to forcing too much water through a garden hoseit might burst.
Moreover, if the circuit has components that are sensitive to current changes, the drastic reduction in current could lead to unexpected behavior or even component failure. It’s like suddenly cutting off the oxygen supply to a delicate piece of machinery.
While not a common occurrence, it is always better to err on the side of caution when dealing with electrical circuits.
So, while the effects might not always be dramatic, connecting a voltmeter in series is generally a bad practice that can lead to inaccurate readings and, in some cases, damage.