Transformer

6.2  Transformer

 

Definition

A transformer is used to change the voltage of an alternating current consisting of a soft iron core wound with a coil of primary (incoming electric current) and secondary (outgoing electric current)

 

Transformer step up

  • Raise the voltage

  • The number of turns of the primary coil is less than the number of turns of the secondary coil

  • The input voltage is less than the output voltage

Transformer step down

  • Lower the voltage

  • The number of turns of the primary coil is much more than the number of turns of the secondary coil

  • The input voltage is much more than the output voltage

 

The function of transformers in the use of electricity in the home:

  • The electricity supply that reaches the house has a voltage of 240 V

  • Most electrical appliances in the home operate at a lower voltage

  • For example, a laptop uses 20 V out of a 240 V power supply so requires a step-down transformer to reduce the 240 V power supply

Problems related to transformers:

  • The voltage produced by the secondary coil of a transformer depends on the ratio of the number of turns of the primary and secondary coils and also the value of the voltage flowing through the primary coil

  • Formula: \(\dfrac{N_p}{N_s} = \dfrac{V_p}{V_s}\)

  • \(N_p\) - number of turns of the primary coil

    \(N_s \)- number of turns of the secondary coil

    \(V_p \)- voltage across the primary coil

    \(V_s\) - voltage across the secondary coil

  • Formula: \(\dfrac{N_p}{N_s} = \dfrac{V_p}{V_s}\)

  • \(N_p\) - number of turns of the primary coil

    \(N_s \)- number of turns of the secondary coil

    \(V_p \)- voltage across the primary coil

    \(V_s\) - voltage across the secondary coil