A battery of electro motive force E is connected in series with a resistance R and a voltmeter. An ammeter is connected in parallel with the battery.

Options

A. only voltmeter is likely to be damaged
B. only ammeter is likely to be damaged
C. neither the ammeter nor the voltmeter will be damaged
D. both ammeter and voltmeter are likely to be damaged.

Answer

To solve the problem, we need to analyze the circuit configuration described in the question.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Circuit Configuration**:
- We have a battery with an electromotive force (EMF) \( E \).
- The battery is connected in series with a resistor \( R \).
- A voltmeter is connected across the resistor to measure the voltage drop across it.
- An ammeter is connected in parallel with the battery.

2. **Analyze the Ammeter in Parallel**:
- An ammeter is designed to measure current and ideally has very low resistance.
- When connected in parallel with the battery, it creates a short circuit across the battery terminals.
- This means that a large amount of current will flow through the ammeter because it offers very little resistance compared to the rest of the circuit.

3. **Effect on the Ammeter**:
- Since the ammeter is not designed to handle high currents (especially in a short-circuit scenario), it is likely to be damaged due to excessive current flowing through it.

4. **Analyze the Voltmeter**:
- The voltmeter is connected in series with the resistor \( R \) and is designed to measure the voltage across it.
- It is not directly affected by the high current flowing through the ammeter since it is in a different part of the circuit.
- However, if the ammeter fails and creates a short circuit, the voltmeter may also be at risk depending on its specifications.

5. **Conclusion**:
- The ammeter is likely to be damaged due to the high current flowing through it when connected in parallel with the battery.
- The voltmeter is less likely to be damaged in this configuration, but it could be at risk if the circuit conditions change drastically.

### Final Answer:
- The correct option is that **only the ammeter is likely to be damaged**.