so we were constructing circuits as an activity. we constructed this circuit and the multimeter readings were only on mV. phet simulation says otherwise (voltage readings should reach V). is it safe to assume that the multimeter is broken? voltage input is 4 V

 

In your simulation, what is your current flow from your power supply?

In the real world, what are you using for a power supply?

What is the circuit schematic of what you have made so far?

Simulator voltage supplies generally are ideal, that is they have zero internal impedance, and are thus capable of supplying near-infinite current to maintain the voltage specified.

Real-world power supplies are not ideal; they have at least SOME internal impedance. If your load resistance is low, the voltage drop across the supply impedance can be quite large.

For example, dry cell batteries; fresh ones may supply an Amperes or more current for a short time. As the cell is used, the internal impedance increases, until even a small high resistance load causes a precipitous drop across the supply impedance resulting in an apparent low supply output voltage.

 

so we were constructing circuits as an activity. we constructed this circuit and the multimeter readings were only on mV. phet simulation says otherwise (voltage readings should reach V). is it safe to assume that the multimeter is broken? voltage input is 4 V

Please share a schematic of what you've built.

If the schematic is in simulator software, a screen shot in .jpg or .png form would be great - please do not just provide a link to an online simulator.

 

Like the rest of your life, the circuits, devices and questions you deal with are affected, enabled, and disabled by DETAILS!!!!

These forums are populated by intelligent, helpful, interesting, useful folks that are enabled or handicapped mostly by the questioner!

C'mon. Ask an intelligible question. Provide specifics and details!

You can be your own worst enemy: don't do that!

 

so we were constructing circuits as an activity. we constructed this circuit and the multimeter readings were only on mV. phet simulation says otherwise (voltage readings should reach V). is it safe to assume that the multimeter is broken? voltage input is 4 V

It is almost certainly NOT safe to assume that a meter is broken just because a physical circuit doesn't agree with the simulation. Far, far more likely scenarios are that you did not construct the circuit properly, are not powering it properly, are not measuring what you think you are measuring, or do not have the multimeter set on the proper function and range.

It would sure be helpful if you provided a schematic of the circuit you are constructing so that we have some context. It might also be useful to include some pictures of the constructed circuit so that we can see if there are any obvious discrepancies between the two.