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It is a device used to convert low alternating voltage at high current into high
alternating voltage at low current and vice-versa.
Step up transformer:
The transformer which converts low alternating voltage at high current into high alternating
voltage at low current is called step-up transformer. In step-up transformer number of turns in
secondary coil (Ns) is greater than number of turns in Primary coil (Np) i.e. Ns > Np.
Primary is made of thick insulated copper wire and Secondary is made of thin wire.
Step down transformer :
It converts high alternating voltage at low current into low alternating voltage at high current. In
this Np> Ns. Primary is made of thin wire and secondary is made of thick wire.
When alternating e.m.f is connected to primary, then due to flow of ac in primary, alternating
magnetic flux is linked with the coils. This changing magnetic flux induces an alternating e.m.f.
in secondary coil.
For ideal transformer, η is 100% but for real transformer, η varies between 90 - 99%.
(iv) Hysteresis losses: The alternating currents flowing through the coils magnetizes step up
and demagnetizes the iron core again and again over complete cycles. During each cycle of
magnetization and demagnetization some energy is lost due to hysteresis and is equal to area
of hysteresis loop. This loss can be minimized by selecting a material of core, which has a
narrow hysteresis loop.
(v) Humming loss : Due to passage of ac the core of transformer starts vibrating and produces
humming sound. So small amount of electrical energy is wasted in the form of humming sound.
Uses of Transformer:
(i) When electric power is transmitted through the transmission wires, due to resistance of wires,
electrical energy is wasted in the form of heat energy. This heat produced is proportional to the
square of current flowing & H ∝ I2Rt.
So, when transmission of ac is made at low current and high voltage, using a step-up
transformer, loss of electric energy is much reduced.
So by using transformer electric power can be transmitted from one station to another at very
high voltage and low current without any significant loss.
(ii) using transformer cost of transmission can be reduced : If transmission is done at high
voltage, the line wires required are of low capacity, i.e. thin wires and light poles may be used,
due to which cost of transmission will be less.
(iii) A step-down transformer is used to obtain large current for electric welding.
(vi) Small transformers are used in radio sets, TV., telephone & loud speakers etc.