Where are meter leads placed in a circuit to measure current in a single component or device?

To measure current in a circuit, it is essential to place the meter leads in series with the component whose current is being measured. This arrangement allows all the current flowing through that component to pass through the measuring device, ensuring an accurate reading.

When connected in series, the circuit is physically broken, which enables the ammeter to measure the flow of charge directly. This is crucial because the ammeter must detect the exact amount of current that is going through the component to provide a valid measurement.

In contrast, placing the meter leads in other configurations, such as parallel or with components not directly involved in the current path, will not yield accurate current readings. For example, connecting the meter between the output of a component and ground or between the input and output of a component would either create a short circuit risk or only measure current indirectly, not reflecting the true current that is flowing through the device. Thus, the only correct way to measure current in a specific component is to have the meter leads positioned in series with that component.