Question

What is the Working Principle of a Transformer?

Answer 1

Transformer :

1. It is a device that transfers electric energy from one alternating current circuit to one or more circuits, either increasing or reducing the voltage.
2. Transformer are used to reduce the voltage of conventional power circuit to operate low voltage devices.
3. It is also used to raise the voltage from electric generators so that electric power can be transmitted over long distance.

Working principle :

1. Transformer works on Faraday's law of mutual induction.
2. Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction states that, when a change takes place in the magnetic flux which is linked with a circuit, an electromotive force current will induce in the circuit.
3. The transformer consists of two separate winding placed over the laminated silicon steel core.
4. The winding to which AC supply is connected is called primary winding and to which load is connected is called secondary winding.
5. It works on the alternating current only because an alternating flux is required for mutual induction between the two winding.
6. When the AC supply is given to the primary winding with a certain voltage, an alternating flux sets up in the core of the transformer, which links with the secondary winding and as a result of it, an emf is induced in it called Mutually Induced emf.
7. The direction of this induced emf is opposite to the applied voltage.

An illustrative diagram of transformer :