How transformers work

• What is the primary function of transformers in the national grid?

  To increase or decrease voltage
• Why is electricity generated at huge power stations spread out across the UK?

  To ensure widespread electricity distribution
• What is the voltage to which electricity is increased by step-up transformers?

  Around 400,000 volts
• What is the purpose of increasing the voltage in the national grid?

  To minimize energy losses during transmission
• What voltage does electricity get reduced to by step-down transformers?

  Around 230 volts
• What is the role of the iron core in a transformer?

  To connect the primary and secondary coils
• What happens when an alternating potential difference is applied to the primary coil?

  A current flows and generates a magnetic field
• How does the magnetic field in the primary coil affect the iron core?

  It induces an alternating magnetic field in the core
• What does the iron core's magnetic field induce in the secondary coil?

  A potential difference across the secondary coil
• Why can't electricity pass directly from the primary to the secondary coil?

  The wires are insulated in plastic
• How does a step-up transformer change voltage?

  It has more turns in the secondary coil
• If a 10 volt supply is input into a step-up transformer, what is the output voltage?

  20 volts
• What is the difference between a step-up and a step-down transformer?

  Step-up has more secondary turns than primary
• What are the key components of a transformer and their functions?

  • Primary coil: Receives input voltage
  • Secondary coil: Delivers output voltage
  • Iron core: Connects coils and enhances magnetic field
• What are the steps involved in how a transformer operates?

  1. Alternating potential difference applied to primary coil
  2. Current flows, generating an alternating magnetic field
  3. Magnetic field induces a magnetic field in the iron core
  4. Iron core induces a potential difference in the secondary coil
  5. Current flows in the secondary coil if in a complete circuit
• What are the advantages of using transformers in electricity transmission?

  • Reduces energy losses
  • Allows for safe voltage levels in homes
  • Facilitates long-distance electricity transmission
• What are the two types of transformers and their functions?

  • Step-up transformer: Increases voltage
  • Step-down transformer: Decreases voltage