Question 525Electricity & Electronics - QMED

The correct answer is D) mechanical misalignment of the meter pointer. When the leads of a switchboard ammeter are disconnected, the meter should ideally read exactly zero. If the meter shows a reading slightly above zero, this is likely due to a mechanical misalignment of the meter pointer. This misalignment can occur over time due to wear and tear on the meter's internal components. The other options are incorrect - capacitors do not store a measurable charge when the leads are disconnected, a poor ground would not cause a reading, and static electricity would not affect the analog meter reading.