A clamp-on AC ammeter detects which type of field produced by the current?

A clamp-on AC ammeter detects the magnetic field produced by the current flowing through a conductor. This instrument works on the principle of magnetic induction. When an alternating current flows through a wire, it generates a varying magnetic field around it. The clamp-on ammeter has a magnetic core that encircles the conductor; as the magnetic field changes, it induces a current in the sensing element of the ammeter. This induced current is then measured and displayed as the current flowing through the wire.

The other types of fields mentioned are not relevant to what a clamp-on ammeter does. The electric field relates to the voltage present but does not provide a direct measurement of current. Gravitational fields pertain to forces acting on masses and have no involvement in current measurement in electrical circuits. Thermal effects can occur in electrical components but are not the basis for how a clamp-on ammeter functions. Understanding that magnetic fields are central to the operation of a clamp-on AC ammeter is crucial for grasping its application in electrical measurements.