Multimeter Practice

Run the Multimeter Practice MicroSim Fullscreen

You can include this MicroSim on your website using the following iframe:

<iframe src="https://dmccreary.github.io/robot-arm/sims/multimeter-practice/main.html"
        height="642px" width="100%" scrolling="no"></iframe>

Description

Set a virtual multimeter's mode, choose whether the circuit power is on, and connect the probes across two points or in series, then read the display. Six tasks from this book's circuits check that you can make all three choices correctly. Used in Chapter 7.

The picture shows a simple circuit and a meter with a red and a black probe. In Explore mode the display shows what the meter would read on any of six circuits, or a warning: current mode across a powered circuit is a short circuit, and resistance or continuity with the power on is not a valid reading. In the six tasks the display stays blank until you press Check.

The tasks and the readings are illustrative: they were written for this MicroSim. The 5 V supply is from Chapter 3 and the 60 Ω terminator reading is from Chapter 4.

Lesson Plan

Grade level: Middle school and up (age 12+). Time: 10 to 15 minutes.

1. Explore. Leave the circuit on the 5 V supply plug and try all five meter modes. Then turn the power off and try them again.
2. Find the two warnings. Which settings give "Short circuit: the fuse would blow"? Which give "Reading is not valid"? Say why in your own words.
3. Six tasks. Switch to Six tasks. For each one, set the meter mode, the power and the connection, then press Check. A task counts only when all three are right.
4. Think about it. Why is voltage measured across two points, but current measured in a gap in the wire?

Specification

The learning objective, evidence of mastery and content for this MicroSim are specified in Chapter 7: 3D Printing, Fasteners, and Tools.