A student investigates building model transformers in the laboratory. Look at the diagram. The student builds four different transformers, each with different primary and secondary coils. Using an input voltage of 12 V the student measures the output voltage. Explain how a transformer works and if this data supports the expected output voltages. – 7519

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1. A transformer works by using alternating current (AC) in the primary coil, which creates a changing magnetic field in the iron core. This changing magnetic field induces an alternating potential difference in the secondary coil.
   The voltage changes depending on the ratio of turns on the coils. If the secondary coil has more turns than the primary, it is a step-up transformer, and the output voltage is higher. If the secondary has fewer turns, it is a step-down transformer.
   In the data:
   Transformer A and C have more secondary coils, so they are step-up transformers and the voltage increases to about 24 V.
   Transformers B and D have fewer secondary coils, so they are step-down and the voltage goes down to about 6 V.
   The data matches the expected voltages, so the energy loss is low, and A and C are efficient transformers.

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