How is potential difference measured?

Potential difference, often referred to as voltage, is measured using a voltmeter. A voltmeter is specifically designed to measure the electric potential difference between two points in an electrical circuit. It is important that a voltmeter is connected in parallel to the circuit component across which the voltage is to be measured, allowing it to accurately gauge the electric potential without disrupting the flow of current significantly.

In contrast, an ammeter is used to measure current flowing in a circuit and must be connected in series, which is not suitable for measuring voltage. An ohmmeter measures resistance, which involves different principles and is not applicable for reading voltage. A multimeter is capable of measuring multiple electrical parameters, including voltage, current, and resistance, however, when asked specifically about measuring potential difference, the most precise answer is the voltmeter due to its dedicated function for this purpose.