A2 Daily A Level Physics question

In a lab, a student connects a digital voltmeter directly across the terminals of a cell to “measure its emf”. The cell has noticeable internal resistance, and the voltmeter’s input resistance is large but finite. Which statement must be true about the voltmeter reading, and why?

1. A Slightly less than the emf, because the voltmeter draws a tiny current that causes a voltage drop inside the cell. (correct)
2. B Exactly equal to the emf, because with no external load there is no current at all.
3. C Greater than the emf, because the voltmeter’s resistance adds potential and boosts the reading.
4. D Close to zero, because the voltmeter effectively short-circuits the cell.