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WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STEP UP AND STEP DOWN TRANSFORMER?

A transformer is a device that changes (transforms) and alternating potential difference (voltage) from one value to another value be it smaller or greater using the principle of electromagnetic induction.

Transformers can be of two types:

Step-up Transformer

On a step-up transformer there are more turns on the secondary coil than the primary coil. The induced voltage across the secondary coil is greater than the applied voltage across the primary coil or in other words the voltage has been stepped-up.

Step-down Transformer

A step down transformer has less turns on the secondary coil that the primary coil. The induced voltage across the secondary coil is less the applied voltage across the primary coil or in other words the voltage is stepped-down.

Transformers are very efficient. If it is assumed that a transformer is 100% efficient (and this is a safe assumption as transformers may be up to 99% efficient) then the power in the primary coil has to be equal to the power in the secondary coil, as per the law of conservation of energy.


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