In a series circuit, what will an ideal voltmeter read when placed directly across a short circuit (a wire with negligible resistance) replacing a component?

Introduction / Context:
Understanding how voltage behaves across circuit elements in series is foundational for troubleshooting. A common fault is a short circuit, where a component is bypassed by a near-zero-ohm path. This question tests whether you can predict the voltmeter reading across that short in a series network.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Series circuit with an ideal source and ideal measuring instruments.
• A component position is replaced by a short (very low or effectively zero resistance).
• An ideal voltmeter (infinite input resistance) is used across that shorted section.

Concept / Approach:
Voltage is the energy per charge required to push current through an impedance. In an ideal short, the impedance is zero, so the required energy per charge is zero. By Ohm's law, V = I * R. If R ≈ 0 for the shorted branch, then the voltage drop across that branch is V ≈ I * 0 = 0 V, regardless of the current magnitude.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Model the short as R_short ≈ 0 Ω.Apply Ohm's law across the short: V_short = I_series * R_short.Since R_short ≈ 0, V_short ≈ 0 V even if I_series is nonzero.Therefore, the ideal voltmeter across the short reads 0 V.

Verification / Alternative check:
Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL) states the algebraic sum of drops equals the source. In a series loop, if one element is shorted, its drop is zero and the remaining source voltage appears across the non-shorted elements, consistent with the 0 V reading across the short itself.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Source voltage: That appears across the remaining series impedance, not across the short.
• Infinite voltage: There is no mechanism for an infinite drop across zero resistance in an ideal circuit.
• The normal voltage drop: The component is bypassed; its drop vanishes.

Common Pitfalls:

• Confusing high current through the short with high voltage across it; voltage depends on resistance.
• Using a non-ideal model where wiring has small but nonzero resistance; the ideal answer remains 0 V.

Final Answer:
zero volts