Final answer:
A standard multimeter does not typically measure frequency. It is designed to measure voltage, current, and resistance. When measuring current, it is crucial to ensure the multimeter is set to the correct mode, otherwise the reading will be inaccurate.
Step-by-step explanation:
A standard multimeter is designed to measure quantities such as voltage, current, and resistance. However, it does NOT typically measure frequency. When using a multimeter to measure current, if you inadvertently leave it in voltmeter mode, you would not be able to measure current because a voltmeter is meant to be connected in parallel with the voltage source and has a high internal resistance to minimize its effect on the circuit. Connecting a voltmeter in series with a component, like an ammeter should be, would not give an accurate reading of the current.
Voltmeters measure voltage by measuring the electric current flow through a high resistance within the meter, from which the voltage can be inferred using Ohm's Law. Ammeters measure current by being placed in series with the circuit so as to measure the flow of charge directly. An ohmmeter, which measures resistance, operates by applying a known voltage or a constant current source to the component and measuring the resulting current or voltage, respectively, then calculating resistance using Ohm's Law.