In what configuration should an ammeter be connected in a circuit?

An ammeter should be connected in series within a circuit to measure the current flowing through that circuit accurately. When placed in series, the ammeter becomes part of the circuit path, allowing it to detect the same current that is flowing through the rest of the components. This series configuration ensures that the reading reflects the total current in the circuit without introducing any additional pathways for current to flow, which could lead to misleading measurements or circuit behavior.

The other configurations mentioned, such as connecting an ammeter in parallel, directly across the load, or at the circuit's ground point, would result in incorrect measurements. A parallel connection would short-circuit the device being measured, potentially damaging the ammeter or affecting the performance of the circuit. Connecting it directly across the load may either create a bypass for current or prevent the ammeter from measuring accurately, as current would take the path of least resistance, ignoring the ammeter. Similarly, linking it at the circuit’s ground point does not provide a complete circuit for measuring the current and would not yield any valid data about the current flow in the main circuit.