Meters and troubleshootingQuestion 1176 of 1506

Why can a capacitor voltage divider be used in an AC voltmeter instead of resistors?

It uses no true power and makes no heat.
It works on DC as well as on AC.
It has no reactance at power frequency.
It is always more accurate than a resistor.

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Correct answer: It uses no true power and makes no heat.

A capacitor divider is non-dissipative.

Source: Lessons in Electric Circuits II: AC (Kuphaldt), 12.1: AC Voltmeters and Ammeters

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026

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