Transforming to Use Voltage

Transformers allow generated voltage to be either increased or decreased before it is used

Students learn to:

• describe the purpose of transformers in electrical circuits
• compare step-up and step-down transformers
• identify the relationship between the ratio of the number of turns in the primary and secondary coils and the ratio of primary to secondary voltage
• explain why voltage transformations are related to conservation of energy
• explain the role of transformers in electricity sub-stations
• discuss why some electrical appliances in the home that are connected to the mains domestic power supply use a transformer
• discuss the impact of the development of transformers on society

Students:

• perform an investigation to model the structure of a transformer to demonstrate how secondary voltage is produced
• solve problems and analyse information about transformers using:
• gather, analyse and use available evidence to discuss how difficulties of heating caused by eddy currents in transformers may be overcome
• gather and analyse secondary information to discuss the need for transformers in the transfer of electrical energy from a power station to its point of use