An ammeter shunt is a high-resistance device.

An ammeter shunt is a high-resistance device.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Sometimes
• D. Not applicable

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is how an ammeter handles large currents without loading the circuit too much. An ammeter shunt is purposely a very low-resistance path connected in parallel with the meter’s movement. This setup diverts most of the current through the shunt, while only a tiny, proportional portion flows through the meter coil. Because both paths share the same voltage, the small current through the meter can be calibrated to represent the total current flowing in the circuit. If the shunt were high resistance, most current would go through the meter, causing a large voltage drop, potential damage, and poor accuracy for large currents. So the statement is false—the shunt is designed to be low resistance.

The idea being tested is how an ammeter handles large currents without loading the circuit too much. An ammeter shunt is purposely a very low-resistance path connected in parallel with the meter’s movement. This setup diverts most of the current through the shunt, while only a tiny, proportional portion flows through the meter coil. Because both paths share the same voltage, the small current through the meter can be calibrated to represent the total current flowing in the circuit. If the shunt were high resistance, most current would go through the meter, causing a large voltage drop, potential damage, and poor accuracy for large currents. So the statement is false—the shunt is designed to be low resistance.