Types of Transformer

Physics: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 4.16.3

Step-Up and Step-Down Transformers

Transformers are separated into step-up transformers and step-down transformers.

Step-up transformer

Step-up transformer

  • Ns > Np .
  • The secondary coil has more turns than primary coil.
  • The potential difference across the secondary coil is greater than the potential difference across the primary coil. (The potential difference is ‘stepped up’.)
Step-down transformer

Step-down transformer

  • Ns < Np .
  • The secondary coil has fewer turns than primary coil.
  • The potential difference across the secondary coil is less than the potential difference across the primary coil. (The potential difference is ‘stepped down’.)

Test yourself on Types of Transformer

  • In a step-up transformer, the number of turns on the secondary coil is...

Practise this topic for free