7.3.3

Transformers 3

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High-Voltage Transmission and Transformers

Electricity is generated at voltages of around 15,000 V. It is transmitted at 400,000 V before a transformer is then used to decrease the voltage to 230 V to be used in plug sockets in homes.

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Long distances

  • Transformers are used to increase the voltage of electricity, so it can be transmitted long distances through cables.
  • A step-up transformer is used to increase the voltage to around 400,000 V to be transmitted long distances.
  • Transmitting electricity at high voltages reduces the energy that is lost as heat due to the resistance of the cables.

Energy in Transformers

In an electric circuit, the rate of energy transferred to components (power) is equal to the current multiplied by the potential difference.

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100% efficient transformers

  • In a transformer that is 100% efficient, all of the energy transferred to the transformer by the primary coil will be transferred to any components connected to the secondary coil. Therefore, the power in the primary and secondary coil will be equal.

Power Losses in Cables

In a transformer, VpIp = VsIs. If the potential difference (voltage) is higher across the secondary coil (Vs) than the primary coil (Vp), the current through the secondary coil (Is) must be reduced.

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Step-up transformers

  • When transmitting electricity, energy is lost because the current heats the wires.
  • The higher the current, the more wires are heated and the more energy is lost.
  • Step up transformers increase the voltage that we use to transmit electricity.
  • This reduces the current in the secondary coil and reduces the energy lost as heat during transmission.

Jump to other topics

1Energy

2Electricity

3Particle Model of Matter

4Atoms & Radiation

5Forces

6Waves

7Magnetism

8Astrophysics

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