A transformer is an electrical device used to **change the voltage** in an alternating current (AC) electrical circuit. It can either **increase** or **decrease** the voltage, depending on the design.
Hereβs how it works:
- **Voltage Step-up**: If the transformer has more turns of wire on the secondary coil (the output side) than the primary coil (the input side), it increases the voltage. This is called a **step-up transformer**. Itβs used in things like power lines to send electricity over long distances.
- **Voltage Step-down**: If the secondary coil has fewer turns than the primary coil, it **decreases** the voltage. This is called a **step-down transformer**. Itβs used in devices like chargers, where you need a lower voltage to safely power things like phones or laptops.
### Key functions of a transformer:
1. **Voltage Conversion**: It changes high voltage to low voltage (or vice versa) depending on the application.
2. **Safety**: By reducing voltage, transformers help power devices safely.
3. **Power Transmission**: Transformers help in efficiently transmitting electrical power over long distances by stepping up the voltage, reducing energy loss.
In short, transformers help in managing and distributing electrical power in a way that matches the needs of different devices and systems.