Transformers

Question 1

What does a transformer look like?

Answer 1

There are 2 separate coils of wire, called the primary coil and the secondary coil, which are both wrapped around an iron core.

Question 2

What type of current is the primary coil connected to?

Answer 2

Alternating current

Question 3

Change in current = Change in ?

Answer 3

Changing magnetic field

Question 4

Explain how a transformer works

Answer 4

As the current flows through the primary coil, it generates a changing magnetic field. This magnetic field is transmitted along the iron core and passes through the secondary coil. When the changing magnetic field passes through the secondary coil, it induces a potential difference because a changing magnetic field induces a potential difference.

Question 5

What type of currents do transformers only work with and why?

Answer 5

They only work with alternating current because it results in creating a changing magnetic field which is needed to induce a potential difference.

Question 6

What happens in regards to the potential difference if the 2 coils have the same amount of turns assuming it is 100 percent efficient?

What happens if the secondary coil has more turns?

Answer 6

The potential differences will be the same on both sides.

The potential difference induced in the secondary coil will be greater than the potential difference in the primary coil. (Step-up transformer) The more turns the more the potential difference.