For a voltage measurement, the meter is connected to a circuit:

• A. In Series
• B. In Parallel
• C. Open Circuit
• D. Closed Circuit

Answer: (B)

Voltmeter placement for measuring voltage is across the component or the two points where you want to know the potential difference, so it is connected in parallel. A voltmeter has very high input impedance, meaning it draws almost no current, which keeps the rest of the circuit undisturbed while you read the voltage.

If you connected a voltmeter in series, its own resistance would become part of the current path, altering currents and voltages in the circuit and giving an inaccurate reading. An open circuit would break the current path, preventing a meaningful voltage reading, and a closed circuit describes the normal operating state rather than how the measurement device should be connected. Connecting in parallel places the meter across the points of interest and measures the true voltage difference without significantly affecting the circuit.