When measuring voltage, if the voltmeter displays a negative value, what does it indicate?

When a voltmeter displays a negative value, it indicates that the polarity is reversed. This means that the leads of the voltmeter are connected in such a way that the terminal intended to measure the more positive voltage is connected to a more negative potential. This situation arises when the voltage across the points being measured is such that the designated positive lead of the voltmeter is at a lower electric potential than the designated negative lead, resulting in a negative reading.

In practical terms, this can occur if the connections are swapped, which can happen easily if the user is not paying careful attention to the polarity when attaching the voltmeter leads. Understanding this concept is crucial for correctly interpreting voltage measurements in various circuits, as it helps clarify whether the potential difference is indeed what was expected or if reconnection is necessary to obtain accurate readings.