Final answer:
Applying high voltage to a meter set to measure resistance can cause damage to the meter because it is not designed to handle high voltages in this mode. Ammeters and voltmeters are designed differently with protection mechanisms, but still can be damaged if used incorrectly. A multimeter also requires careful operation to avoid damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
Applying high voltage to a meter set to measure resistance can indeed cause meter damage. This is true because most meters used to measure resistance, commonly known as ohmmeters, introduce a small voltage into the circuit to measure how much current flows through the resistance. If the meter is set to resistance-measuring mode (ohmmeter mode) but is inadvertently exposed to high voltage, the sensitive components inside the meter that are not designed to handle such voltage can be damaged.
The situation is somewhat different for ammeters and voltmeters. Ammeters, which measure current, need to have a very low resistance, often just a fraction of a milliohm, so as not to affect the circuit. However, if connected incorrectly, for instance in parallel when they should be connected in series, the significant current intended to flow through the main circuit will instead pass through the meter, potentially causing damage due to overheating or overloading. Voltmeters, on the other hand, are designed to measure voltage and are connected in parallel with the circuit component, but their high internal resistance usually protects them from current overload.
It is also worth noting that using a multimeter requires careful attention to the mode and range settings to avoid damage. The multimeter may contain protection such as fuses, but these can only do so much, and incorrect use, such as measuring current with the meter set to a voltage or resistance mode, can still result in damage to both the meter and the circuit.