The turns ratio, also known as the **transformer ratio** or **winding ratio**, refers to the ratio of the number of turns in the primary winding to the number of turns in the secondary winding in a transformer. This ratio is a critical factor in determining how voltages and currents are related between the primary and secondary sides of the transformer.
Mathematically, the turns ratio (denoted as **Nā/Nā**) is expressed as:
\[
\text{Turns Ratio} = \frac{N_1}{N_2}
\]
Where:
- **Nā** is the number of turns in the primary winding.
- **Nā** is the number of turns in the secondary winding.
### Significance of the Turns Ratio:
1. **Voltage Relationship**: The turns ratio directly affects the voltage transformation. According to the principle of electromagnetic induction, the voltage across each winding is proportional to the number of turns. Therefore:
\[
\frac{V_1}{V_2} = \frac{N_1}{N_2}
\]
Where:
- **Vā** is the primary voltage.
- **Vā** is the secondary voltage.
This means if a transformer has more turns in the primary winding than in the secondary winding (step-down transformer), the voltage in the secondary winding will be lower. Conversely, a step-up transformer will have a higher secondary voltage.
2. **Current Relationship**: The current in a transformer is inversely proportional to the turns ratio, which means:
\[
\frac{I_2}{I_1} = \frac{N_1}{N_2}
\]
Where:
- **Iā** is the current in the primary winding.
- **Iā** is the current in the secondary winding.
This shows that if the voltage is stepped up, the current is stepped down, and vice versa.
### Other Names for Turns Ratio:
- **Voltage ratio**: Because it governs the proportional change in voltage.
- **Winding ratio**: Since it refers to the number of windings or turns in the transformer coils.