The voltmeter and potentiometer are electrical measuring instruments. These two instruments have a crucial role to measure electrical potential in an electric circuit.
In this article, we are going to study what is difference between the voltmeter and potentiometer.
Distinguish between Voltmeter and Potentiometer
Let’s compare both instruments with specifications.
| # | Content | Voltmeter | Potentiometer |
| 01 | [Definition] What is voltmeter & Potentiometer? | The instrument which measures the voltage or potential difference between the two points of an electric circuit is called as a ‘Voltmeter‘. | The instrument which measures the potential difference between the two points of an electric circuit or Electromotive force (EMF) of the cell is called as a ‘Potentiometer‘. |
| 02 | Type | The voltmeter is a type of metering device. | The potentiometer is a type of power consuming device. |
| 03 | Resistance | It has high internal resistance. | It has infinite internal resistance. |
| 04 | Useful Method | This instrument works on the deflection method. | This instrument works on the null deflection method. |
| 05 | Working role | The voltmeter can not accurately (i.e. approximately) measure small potential differences or EMF due to the high resistance. | The potentiometer can accurately measure the small potential differences or EMF. |
| 06 | Property (Sensitivity) | The sensitivity of the voltmeter is less compared to the potentiometer. | The sensitivity of the potentiometer is very high as compared to the voltmeter. |
| 07 | Result (or Reading) | The voltmeter directly gives the reading or results. | The potentiometer does not give direct reading or results. |
| 08 | Nature | This instrument is the most accurate. | This instrument is less accurate. |
| 09 | Uses (or Applications) | It is very useful for measuring the terminal voltage. | It is very useful for measuring the EMF of the cells. |
10. Symbolic representation of Voltmeter and Potentiometer
These 10 differences have explained all the basic concepts of voltmeter vs potentiometer. Also, it covers the advantages and disadvantages of both instruments.
If you have any queries or points to add, write the comment below.
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Thanks for Reading!
I have completed master in Electrical Power System. I work and write technical tutorials on the PLC, MATLAB programming, and Electrical on DipsLab.com portal.
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