The name "transformers" comes from their ability to
transform the voltage level of electrical power. In simple terms, a transformer is a device that can change (or transform) the voltage in an electrical circuit.
Here's how it works:
- Changing Voltage: A transformer can step up (increase) or step down (decrease) the voltage of an electrical signal. This is essential for efficient power transmission, as high voltage is ideal for long-distance transmission, and lower voltage is safer and more useful for household devices.
- Magnetic Transformation: The core principle behind how a transformer works involves magnetic fields. When an electric current flows through a wire, it creates a magnetic field around it. The transformer uses two coils (primary and secondary) and a magnetic core to transfer energy from one coil to another. This transfer transforms the voltage.
So, the name "transformer" reflects its primary function of transforming (changing) the voltage in an electrical system.