How does a transformer change the voltage and current of an alternating current?

A transformer changes the voltage and current of an alternating current through electromagnetic induction.

Transformers are devices used to transfer electrical energy from one circuit to another through electromagnetic induction. They consist of two coils of wire wound around a common iron core. The coil connected to the input voltage source is called the primary coil, while the coil connected to the output circuit is called the secondary coil.

When an alternating current flows through the primary coil, it creates a magnetic field around the coil. This magnetic field then induces an alternating current in the secondary coil, which is proportional to the number of turns in the coil. The voltage induced in the secondary coil is directly proportional to the ratio of the number of turns in the secondary coil to the number of turns in the primary coil.

Therefore, if the number of turns in the secondary coil is greater than the number of turns in the primary coil, the voltage in the secondary coil will be greater than the voltage in the primary coil. Conversely, if the number of turns in the secondary coil is less than the number of turns in the primary coil, the voltage in the secondary coil will be less than the voltage in the primary coil.

The current in the secondary coil is also proportional to the ratio of the number of turns in the secondary coil to the number of turns in the primary coil. However, the current in the secondary coil is inversely proportional to the voltage in the secondary coil. Therefore, if the voltage in the secondary coil is greater than the voltage in the primary coil, the current in the secondary coil will be less than the current in the primary coil. Conversely, if the voltage in the secondary coil is less than the voltage in the primary coil, the current in the secondary coil will be greater than the current in the primary coil.