A device that changes the size of an alternating voltage through electromagnetic induction, typically consisting of primary and secondary coils wound around an iron core. | Transformer |
What are the two main components of a basic transformer? | A basic transformer comprises a primary coil and a secondary coil wound around an iron core. |
The process by which a changing magnetic field induces an electromotive force (EMF) or potential difference in a conductor. | Electromagnetic Induction |
How does a transformer work? | Transformers work through electromagnetic induction. An alternating current in the primary coil induces a changing magnetic field in the iron core, which, in turn, induces a potential difference in the secondary coil. |
The coil in a transformer through which the input alternating current flows, inducing a magnetic field. | Primary Coil |
What role does the primary coil play in a transformer? | The primary coil is where the alternating current flows, inducing a magnetic field through electromagnetic induction. |
The coil in a transformer where the induced potential difference leads to the generation of an alternating current. | Secondary Coil |
What happens in the secondary coil of a transformer? | The changing magnetic field induced by the primary coil passes through the secondary coil, leading to the induction of a potential difference. If the secondary coil is part of a complete circuit, it produces an alternating current. |
The material, often iron, around which the primary and secondary coils are wound in a transformer, aiding in magnetization. | Iron Core |
Why is iron commonly used as the core material in transformers? | Iron is easily magnetized and demagnetized, making it an ideal material for the core of transformers. |
The process of making a material magnetic and subsequently removing its magnetic properties. | Magnetization and Demagnetization |
How does the iron core contribute to the functioning of a transformer? | The iron core magnetizes and demagnetizes as the current in the primary coil changes, facilitating the induction of a changing magnetic field and potential difference in the secondary coil. |
An electric current that periodically reverses direction, commonly used for power distribution. | Alternating Current (AC) |
What type of current flows through the circuits of a transformer? | If the secondary coil is part of a complete circuit, an alternating current flows through the circuit. |
A coil of wire often used to generate a magnetic field when current flows through it. | Solenoid |
What is the primary coil essentially in terms of its structure? | The primary coil is a solenoid through which the input alternating current flows, inducing a magnetic field. |
A type of transformer that increases the voltage in the secondary coil compared to the primary coil, achieved by having more turns on the secondary coil. | Step-Up Transformer |
What is the primary characteristic of a step-up transformer? | A step-up transformer increases the voltage in the secondary coil. |
A type of transformer that decreases the voltage in the secondary coil compared to the primary coil, achieved by having more turns on the primary coil. | Step-Down Transformer |
What is the primary characteristic of a step-down transformer? | A step-down transformer decreases the voltage in the secondary coil. |
The ratio of the number of turns in the secondary coil to the number of turns in the primary coil of a transformer. | Turns Ratio |
How is the turns ratio related to the function of a transformer? | The turns ratio determines whether a transformer is a step-up or step-down transformer. If the turns ratio is greater than 1, it's a step-up transformer; if less than 1, it's a step-down transformer. |
The electric potential difference, or force, that drives an electric current, measured in volts. | Voltage |
What does a step-up transformer do to the voltage in the secondary coil? | A step-up transformer increases the voltage in the secondary coil. |
The total count of loops or turns in the winding of a coil in a transformer. | Number of Turns |
How is the number of turns related to the function of a transformer? | The number of turns determines the turns ratio, which, in turn, defines whether the transformer is a step-up or step-down transformer. More turns in the secondary coil lead to a step-up transformer, while more turns in the primary coil lead to a step-down transformer. |
The ratio of power output to power input in a transformer, usually expressed as a percentage. | Transformer Efficiency |
How is transformer efficiency calculated? | Transformer efficiency is calculated by dividing the power output by the power input and multiplying by 100 to express it as a percentage. |
The rate at which energy is transferred or converted, measured in watts. | Power |
What is the relationship between power, potential difference, and current? | Power equals the product of potential difference and current, as expressed by the equation P = IV. |
The electrical power delivered to the secondary coil of a transformer. | Power Output |
What does the power output of a transformer represent? | Power output is the electrical power that is made available to the secondary coil for further use or transmission. |
The electrical power supplied to the primary coil of a transformer. | Power Input |
What does the power input of a transformer represent? | Power input is the electrical power initially provided to the primary coil of a transformer. |
The mathematical expression that defines the efficiency of a transformer, where efficiency (%) = (Power Output / Power Input) × 100. | Efficiency Equation for Transformers |
How is transformer efficiency typically expressed? | Transformer efficiency is usually expressed as a percentage, indicating the proportion of input power converted to useful output power. |
An ideal transformer where all the input power is converted into output power without any losses. | 100% Efficient Transformer |
What is the assumption regarding the efficiency of transformers in this context? | The assumption is made that transformers are 100% efficient, meaning no energy is lost during the transformation process. |
The electrical force or energy per unit charge, measured in volts. | Voltage |
How does potential difference relate to current in a transformer? | For a given power, a high potential difference results in a low current, as shown in the transformer efficiency equation. |
The interconnected network of cables and transformers that facilitates the transmission of electricity from power stations to consumers across a country. | National Grid |
What is the purpose of the National Grid? | The National Grid is designed to efficiently transmit electricity from power stations to consumers. |
Devices used in the National Grid to change the voltage and current of electricity for efficient transmission. | Transformers in the National Grid |
Why are transformers used in the National Grid? | Transformers are used to change the voltage and current, optimizing energy transmission and reducing losses. |
A type of transformer that increases the voltage in the secondary coil compared to the primary coil. | Step-Up Transformer |
Where are step-up transformers placed in the National Grid, and why? | Step-up transformers are placed between power stations and transmission cables to increase voltage and reduce energy loss during long-distance transmission. |
A type of transformer that decreases the voltage in the secondary coil compared to the primary coil. | Step-Down Transformer |
Where are step-down transformers placed in the National Grid, and why? | Step-down transformers are placed between transmission cables and consumers to reduce voltage, making it safer for consumers. |
Cables used to carry electricity over long distances, often between power stations and distribution points. | Transmission Cables |
Why are step-up transformers used before transmission cables? | Step-up transformers are used to increase voltage, reducing energy loss along the transmission cables. |
The ratio of useful energy output to the total energy input, often expressed as a percentage. | Energy Efficiency |
How do transformers contribute to the energy efficiency of the National Grid? | Transformers optimize the voltage and current, improving energy efficiency by reducing losses during transmission. |
Facilities where electricity is generated. | Power Stations |
Where is electricity generated in the National Grid? | Electricity is generated in power stations, which are connected to the National Grid. |
The process of decreasing voltage to ensure the safety of consumers. | Voltage Reduction for Safety |
Why are step-down transformers used for consumers in the National Grid? | Step-down transformers reduce voltage, making it safer for consumers to use electricity. |
The dissipation of energy in the form of heat during the transmission of electricity. | Energy Loss |
How do step-up transformers reduce energy loss in the National Grid? | Step-up transformers increase voltage, minimizing energy loss along the transmission cables. |