December 30, 2023

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Top Multimeter Multiple Choice Questions and Answers

Welcome to our collection of top multimeter multiple-choice questions and answers. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced engineer, knowing how to use a multimeter is essential for troubleshooting and diagnosing electrical problems.

Table of Contents

Multimeter Multiple Choice Questions

In this article, we have compiled a list of challenging MCQs to test your knowledge on multimeters. From basic functions like measuring voltage and resistance to advanced features like diode testing and frequency measurement, these questions cover a wide range of topics.

So, if you’re looking to improve your understanding of multimeters and want to ace your next exam or job interview, you have come to the right place.

Multimeter Multiple Choice Questions and Answers (MCQ)

How does a multimeter measure current?

a) By measuring the voltage drop across a known resistance
b) By measuring the resistance of a circuit
c) By measuring the magnetic field around a conductor
d) By measuring the temperature of a circuit

Answer: a) By measuring the voltage drop across a known resistance

Explanation: A multimeter measures current by measuring the voltage drop across a known resistance in the circuit, according to Ohm’s Law (I = V/R).

What is the purpose of a continuity test on a multimeter?

a) To measure voltage
b) To measure resistance
c) To test if a circuit is complete
d) To measure current

Answer: c) To test if a circuit is complete

Explanation: A continuity test on a multimeter is used to check if a circuit is complete or if there is a break in the circuit.

What is the purpose of a diode test on a multimeter?

a) To measure the voltage drop across a diode
b) To measure the resistance of a diode
c) To test if a diode is working properly
d) To measure the current flowing through a diode

Answer: c) To test if a diode is working properly

Explanation: A diode test on a multimeter is used to check if a diode is working properly. It typically involves applying a small voltage to the diode and checking if there is a voltage drop across it.

Which multimeter function is used to test the continuity of a circuit?

a) Voltage
b) Current
c) Resistance
d) Capacitance

Answer: c) Resistance

Explanation: The resistance function on a multimeter is used to test the continuity of a circuit by measuring the resistance of the circuit.

What is the difference between a digital and an analog multimeter?

a) Digital multimeters measure voltage, current, and resistance, while analog multimeters only measure voltage.
b) Digital multimeters display readings as numbers, while analog multimeters use a pointer and a scale.
c) Digital multimeters are less accurate than analog multimeters.
d) Analog multimeters have more features than digital multimeters.

Answer: b) Digital multimeters display readings as numbers, while analog multimeters use a pointer and a scale.

Explanation: Digital multimeters display readings as numbers on a digital screen, while analog multimeters use a pointer and a scale to show the readings.

What is the difference between a true RMS and an average responding multimeter?

a) True RMS multimeters are more accurate than average responding multimeters.
b) True RMS multimeters can measure both AC and DC voltage and current, while average responding multimeters can only measure DC.
c) Average responding multimeters give a reading that is the average of the AC waveform, while true RMS multimeters give a reading that takes into account the amplitude of the waveform.
d) True RMS multimeters are more expensive than average responding multimeters.

Answer: c) Average responding multimeters give a reading that is the average of the AC waveform, while true RMS multimeters give a reading that takes into account the amplitude of the waveform.

Explanation: Average responding multimeters give a reading that is the average of the AC waveform, while true RMS multimeters give a reading that takes into account the amplitude of the waveform, resulting in a more accurate reading for non-sinusoidal waveforms.

What is the purpose of the overload protection feature on a multimeter?

a) To prevent damage to the multimeter from high voltage or current levels
b) To improve the accuracy of the measurements
c) To make the multimeter easier to use
d) To conserve battery life

Answer: a) To prevent damage to the multimeter from high voltage or current levels

Explanation: The overload protection feature on a multimeter is used to prevent damage to the multimeter from high voltage or current levels that exceed the maximum range of the multimeter.

What is the purpose of the dB function on a multimeter?

a) To measure the frequency of a circuit
b) To measure the resistance of a circuit
c) To measure the voltage level of a circuit in decibels
d) To measure the current level of a circuit in decibels

Answer: c) To measure the voltage level of a circuit in decibels

Explanation: The dB function on a multimeter is used to measure the voltage level of a circuit in decibels (dB), which is a logarithmic scale that expresses the ratio between two voltages.

What is the purpose of the duty cycle function on a multimeter?

a) To measure the frequency of a circuit
b) To measure the resistance of a circuit
c) To measure the voltage level of a circuit
d) To measure the on/off time ratio of a circuit

Answer: d) To measure the on/off time ratio of a circuit

Explanation: The duty cycle function on a multimeter is used to measure the on/off time ratio of a circuit, which is the percentage of time the circuit is on compared to the total time.

What is the function of the hold button on a multimeter?

a) To freeze the measurement on the screen
b) To switch between AC and DC modes
c) To switch between voltage and current measurements
d) To turn off the multimeter

Answer: a) To freeze the measurement on the screen

Explanation: The hold button on a multimeter is used to freeze the measurement on the screen, allowing the user to record the value without having to read it while the measurement is being taken.

Which type of multimeter is most suitable for measuring very low electrical currents?

a) Analog multimeter
b) Digital multimeter
c) Clamp multimeter
d) True RMS multimeter

Answer: c) Clamp multimeter

Explanation: The clamp multimeter is most suitable for measuring very low electrical currents because it uses a non-invasive method of measuring current by clamping around a wire without disconnecting it from the circuit.

What is the purpose of a range selector on a multimeter?

a) To adjust the sensitivity of the multimeter
b) To change the mode of the multimeter
c) To change the display units of the multimeter
d) To switch between different probes on the multimeter

Answer: a) To adjust the sensitivity of the multimeter

Explanation: The range selector on a multimeter is used to adjust the sensitivity of the multimeter, allowing it to measure different levels of voltage, current, or resistance.

What is the purpose of the AC/DC switch on a multimeter?

a) To switch between different probes on the multimeter
b) To change the display units of the multimeter
c) To change the mode of the multimeter
d) To switch between AC and DC voltage or current measurement

Answer: d) To switch between AC and DC voltage or current measurement

Explanation: The AC/DC switch on a multimeter is used to select the type of voltage or current being measured, either AC or DC.

What is the difference between a manual ranging and an auto-ranging multimeter?

a) Manual ranging multimeters are more accurate than auto-ranging multimeters.
b) Manual ranging multimeters require the user to set the measurement range, while auto-ranging multimeters automatically select the range.
c) Auto-ranging multimeters have more features than manual ranging multimeters.
d) Manual ranging multimeters are faster than auto-ranging multimeters.

Answer: b) Manual ranging multimeters require the user to set the measurement range, while auto-ranging multimeters automatically select the range.

Explanation: Manual ranging multimeters require the user to select the appropriate measurement range, while auto-ranging multimeters automatically select the range based on the measured value. Auto-ranging multimeters are generally easier to use, while manual ranging multimeters can be more accurate in certain situations.

What is the purpose of the diode check function on a multimeter?

a) To measure the resistance of a diode
b) To test if a diode is shorted or open
c) To test the capacitance of a diode
d) To measure the voltage drop across a diode

Answer: b) To test if a diode is shorted or open

Explanation: The diode check function on a multimeter is used to test the functionality of a diode by checking if it is shorted (no resistance) or open (infinite resistance).

What is the purpose of the hold function on a multimeter?

a) To freeze the display on a particular reading
b) To measure the capacitance of a circuit
c) To measure the frequency of a signal
d) To measure the temperature of a circuit

Answer: a) To freeze the display on a particular reading

Explanation: The hold function on a multimeter is used to freeze the display on a particular reading, allowing the user to take a closer look at the value being measured.

Which of the following is NOT a function of a multimeter?

a) Measure voltage
b) Measure current
c) Measure resistance
d) Control temperature

Answer: d) Control temperature

Explanation: A multimeter is used to measure voltage, current, and resistance in electrical circuits. It does not control temperature.

What is the unit of measurement for voltage?

a) Amperes (A)
b) Ohms (Ω)
c) Watts (W)
d) Volts (V)

Answer: d) Volts (V)

Explanation: The unit of measurement for voltage is volts, named after the Italian physicist Alessandro Volta who invented the first battery.

What is the purpose of the auto power-off function on a multimeter?

a) To conserve battery life
b) To prevent accidental shock
c) To improve accuracy of the measurements
d) To make the multimeter easier to use

Answer: a) To conserve battery life

Explanation: The auto power off function on a multimeter is used to conserve battery life by automatically turning off the multimeter after a certain period of inactivity.

What is the purpose of the milliampere range on a multimeter?

a) To measure low current levels
b) To measure high current levels
c) To measure AC voltage levels
d) To measure DC voltage levels

Answer: a) To measure low current levels

Explanation: The milliampere range on a multimeter is used to measure low current levels in milliamperes (mA).

What is the function of the auto-ranging feature on a multimeter?

a) To automatically switch between voltage and current measurements
b) To automatically adjust the range of the measurement based on the input signal
c) To automatically calculate the frequency of the input signal
d) To automatically convert between different units of measurement

Answer: b) To automatically adjust the range of the measurement based on the input signal

Explanation: The auto-ranging feature on a multimeter is used to automatically adjust the range of the measurement based on the input signal, making it easier for the user to take accurate measurements without having to manually adjust the range.

What is the difference between a multimeter and an oscilloscope?

a) Multimeters are used to measure voltage, current, and resistance, while oscilloscopes are used to display waveforms.
b) Multimeters are analog devices, while oscilloscopes are digital devices.
c) Multimeters are better suited for measuring high frequency signals, while oscilloscopes are better suited for measuring low frequency signals.
d) Multimeters are less accurate than oscilloscopes.

Answer: a) Multimeters are used to measure voltage, current, and resistance, while oscilloscopes are used to display waveforms.

Explanation: While both multimeters and oscilloscopes are electronic test equipment used to measure electrical signals, multimeters are primarily used to measure voltage, current, and resistance, while oscilloscopes are used to display waveforms.

Which multimeter function is used to check the capacitor?

a) Voltage
b) Current
c) Resistance
d) Capacitance

Answer: d) Capacitance

Explanation: The capacitance function on a multimeter is used to measure the capacitance of a capacitor.

What is the function of the backlight on a multimeter?

a) To provide additional illumination for the display
b) To improve the accuracy of the measurements
c) To change the measurement units
d) To indicate the polarity of the signal being measured

Answer: a) To provide additional illumination for the display

Explanation: The backlight on a multimeter is used to provide additional illumination for the display, making it easier to read the measurement values in low-light conditions.

What is the function of the range button on a multimeter?

a) To hold the measurement value on the display
b) To switch between different measurement functions
c) To adjust the range of the measurement
d) To turn the multimeter on or off

Answer: c) To adjust the range of the measurement

Explanation: The range button on a multimeter is used to adjust the range of the measurement, allowing the user to select a more precise measurement range for the specific circuit being tested.

Which multimeter function is used to measure the diode forward voltage drop?

a) Voltage
b) Current
c) Resistance
d) Diode test

Answer: d) Diode test

Explanation: The diode test function on a multimeter is used to measure the forward voltage drop of a diode, which can provide information about the diode’s characteristics and health.

Which multimeter function is used to check the inductor?

a) Voltage
b) Current
c) Resistance
d) Inductance

Answer: d) Inductance

Explanation: The inductance function on a multimeter is used to measure the inductance of an inductor, typically using an internal oscillator to induce a signal in the inductor and measure the resulting response.

What is the function of the input jack on a multimeter?

a) To connect the multimeter to the circuit being tested
b) To adjust the range of the measurement
c) To hold the measurement value on the display
d) To turn the multimeter on or off

Answer: a) To connect the multimeter to the circuit being tested

Explanation: The input jack on a multimeter is where the probes or test leads are connected in order to measure voltage, current, resistance, or other properties of the circuit being tested.

Which type of multimeter measurement function is used to measure the potential difference between two points in a circuit?

a) Voltage
b) Current
c) Resistance
d) Capacitance

Answer: a) Voltage

Explanation: The voltage function on a multimeter is used to measure the voltage difference between two points in a circuit, typically by placing the multimeter in parallel with the circuit being tested.

What is the function of the peak hold feature on a multimeter?

a) To switch between different measurement functions
b) To adjust the range of the measurement
c) To hold the highest measurement value on the display
d) To hold the lowest measurement value on the display

Answer: c) To hold the highest measurement value on the display

Explanation: The peak hold feature on a multimeter is used to hold the highest measurement value on the display, allowing the user to capture and analyze peak values in a signal.

What is the function of the min/max feature on a multimeter?

a) To switch between different measurement functions
b) To adjust the range of the measurement
c) To hold the minimum and maximum measurement values on the display
d) To hold the average measurement value on the display

Answer: c) To hold the minimum and maximum measurement values on the display

Explanation: The min/max feature on a multimeter is used to hold the minimum and maximum measurement values on the display, allowing the user to analyze the range of values that were measured.