How do step-up and step-down transformers differ?

Step-up transformers increase voltage while step-down transformers decrease voltage from the input to the output.

Step-up and step-down transformers are two types of transformers that differ in their function. A transformer is a device that transfers electrical energy from one circuit to another through electromagnetic induction. It consists of two or more coils of wire wrapped around a core, usually made of iron. The main difference between step-up and step-down transformers lies in the number of turns in the coils and the effect this has on voltage.

A step-up transformer is designed to increase the voltage from the input to the output. It does this by having more turns in the secondary coil than in the primary coil. When an alternating current is applied to the primary coil, it creates a changing magnetic field in the core. This induces a voltage in the secondary coil. Because there are more turns in the secondary coil, the voltage induced is greater than the input voltage. This is used in situations where a higher voltage is needed, such as in power transmission lines where the voltage is stepped up to reduce energy loss during transmission.

On the other hand, a step-down transformer is designed to decrease the voltage from the input to the output. It has fewer turns in the secondary coil than in the primary coil. When an alternating current is applied to the primary coil, it creates a changing magnetic field in the core, inducing a voltage in the secondary coil. Because there are fewer turns in the secondary coil, the voltage induced is less than the input voltage. This is used in situations where a lower voltage is needed, such as in household appliances which operate at a lower voltage than the power supply.

In summary, the main difference between step-up and step-down transformers is the number of turns in the coils and the resulting effect on voltage. Step-up transformers increase voltage, while step-down transformers decrease voltage.