What device is used to measure electrical current?

An ammeter is specifically designed to measure electrical current, which is the flow of electric charge in a circuit. It operates by being connected in series with the circuit component whose current you want to measure. The ammeter allows the current to flow through it while providing a reading that indicates the strength of the electric current, typically measured in amperes (A).

In contrast, a voltmeter measures voltage, or the electric potential difference between two points in a circuit, and is connected in parallel. A wattmeter measures the power, or the rate of doing work, in an electrical system, reflecting both voltage and current. An ohmmeter is used for measuring resistance within a circuit. Thus, while all the other devices serve critical functions in understanding electricity, it is the ammeter that specifically provides the measurement needed for electrical current, confirming it as the correct choice.