Which device is used to measure the current in an electrical circuit?

The device that is specifically designed to measure the current flowing through an electrical circuit is the ammeter. An ammeter is connected in series with the circuit so it can measure the flow of electric charge, expressed in amperes (A). This direct measurement capability enables accurate assessment of current, which is crucial for both troubleshooting electrical issues and ensuring that systems are operating within their specified limits.

Other devices like voltmeters, multimeters, and wattmeters serve different purposes. A voltmeter measures voltage across two points in a circuit and is typically connected in parallel. A multimeter can measure several electrical properties, including voltage, current, and resistance, but when specifically measuring current, it functions as an ammeter when set to the appropriate mode. A wattmeter, on the other hand, measures power in a circuit, not directly addressing current flow. Thus, while these devices have their respective functions, an ammeter’s sole purpose in measuring current makes it the correct answer for this question.