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What is a Transformer?
A transformer is made from two coils,
one on
each side of a soft iron
core. It can increase the voltage
(called a step up transformer,
shown below)
or decrease the voltage
(called a step down transformer).
How does a Step Up Transformer Work?
Alternating current is passed through the
primary coil (the input)
which creates a changing magnetic
field in the iron core.
The changing magnetic field then
induces
alternating current
of the
same frequency in the secondary coil (the
output).
A step up transformer
has more turns of wire on the secondary
coil,
which makes a larger induced
voltage in the secondary
coil.
It is called a step up transformer because the output voltage
is larger than the input voltage. If the secondary coil
has twice as
many turns of wire then the output voltage
will be
twice the input voltage. See the transformer equation.
Links
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Transformer
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