1 Answer
An electrical transformer works with **alternating current (AC)**, not direct current (DC).
Here's why:
- Transformers rely on the principle of **electromagnetic induction**. For this process to work, the current needs to constantly change (or alternate), which is why AC is required.
- In an AC circuit, the current constantly changes direction, creating a varying magnetic field that induces voltage in the secondary coil of the transformer.
- If DC were used, the current would flow in only one direction, creating a constant magnetic field. This wouldn't induce a voltage in the secondary coil once the current stabilizes, and the transformer would essentially stop working after the initial power-up.
So, transformers are designed to work with AC to step up (increase) or step down (decrease) voltage levels effectively.
Here's why:
- Transformers rely on the principle of **electromagnetic induction**. For this process to work, the current needs to constantly change (or alternate), which is why AC is required.
- In an AC circuit, the current constantly changes direction, creating a varying magnetic field that induces voltage in the secondary coil of the transformer.
- If DC were used, the current would flow in only one direction, creating a constant magnetic field. This wouldn't induce a voltage in the secondary coil once the current stabilizes, and the transformer would essentially stop working after the initial power-up.
So, transformers are designed to work with AC to step up (increase) or step down (decrease) voltage levels effectively.