How should a voltmeter be connected in a circuit?

In a circuit, a voltmeter is designed to measure the voltage across two points, which requires it to be connected in parallel with the component or section of the circuit where the voltage is to be measured. This parallel connection allows the voltmeter to capture the potential difference without significantly affecting the circuit's operation.

Connecting a voltmeter in series would lead to inaccurate readings and could potentially damage the voltmeter as it would force all current through it, which is not its intended design. A voltmeter has a very high internal resistance so that it draws minimal current, hence it is essential for it to be connected in parallel.

The option of connecting a voltmeter in "series or parallel" is misleading since, while a voltmeter can function correctly only in parallel, doing so in series would not yield valid results. The clarity of its use in measuring voltage across components specifically reinforces why the voltmeter is always connected in parallel to ensure accurate readings and the protection of both the meter and the circuit elements being tested.