The principle used in a transformer is **electromagnetic induction**.
Here's how it works in simple terms:
1. **Alternating Current (AC)** flows through the primary coil of the transformer, creating a changing magnetic field around it.
2. This changing magnetic field induces a voltage (electromotive force or EMF) in the secondary coil through **mutual induction**.
3. The induced voltage in the secondary coil is proportional to the number of turns in the secondary coil compared to the primary coil, according to the **turns ratio**.
This principle allows the transformer to either step up (increase) or step down (decrease) the voltage depending on the ratio of turns between the primary and secondary coils.