Analog meters

Definition

Analog meters are instruments used to measure electrical quantities such as voltage and current by using a needle and dial system. They operate based on the deflection of a pointer in response to an electric current or voltage.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Analog voltmeters and ammeters use a moving coil galvanometer mechanism.
2. The accuracy of analog meters is generally lower compared to digital meters due to parallax error.
3. They require manual calibration before use to ensure accurate readings.
4. Analog meters have a finite resolution, limited by the smallest division on their scale.
5. They can be affected by external magnetic fields, leading to erroneous readings.

Related terms

Galvanometer:

A device that measures small electric currents by deflection of a needle.

Parallax Error:

\text{An error caused when the position of the observer's eye is not perpendicular to the scale of the measuring instrument.}

$DC$ Voltage: $\text{The potential difference between two points in a circuit when current flows in one direction only.}$