Transformers

This lesson was contributed by:

Audrey Vella Bondin

This lesson is for:

Lesson Duration:

40 mins.

What should you expect from this lesson?

A transformer is a device that changes (transforms) and alternating potential difference (voltage) from one value to another value be it smaller or greater using the principle of electromagnetic induction. A transformer consists of a soft iron coil with two coils wound around it which are not connected to one another.

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How to carry out this lesson at home:

Transformers do what their name implies—they transform voltages from one value to another (The term voltage is used rather than emf, because transformers have internal resistance). For example, many cell phones, laptops, video games, and power tools and small appliances have a transformer built into their plug-in unit (like that in Figure 1) that changes 120 V or 240 V AC into whatever voltage the device uses. Transformers are also used at several points in the power distribution systems, such as illustrated in Figure 2. Power is sent long distances at high voltages, because less current is required for a given amount of power, and this means less line loss, as was discussed previously. But high voltages pose greater hazards, so that transformers are employed to produce lower voltage at the user’s location
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The fact that transformers are based on Faraday’s law of induction makes it clear why we cannot use transformers to change DC voltages. If there is no change in primary voltage, there is no voltage induced in the secondary. One possibility is to connect DC to the primary coil through a switch. As the switch is opened and closed, the secondary produces a voltage like that in Figure 4. This is not really a practical alternative, and AC is in common use wherever it is necessary to increase or decrease voltages.
The You tube video explains the design of a transformer and how it works.

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There are 2 Resources for this lesson

  transformers .jpg | download
  Transformers .docx | download

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