Transformers (GCSE Physics)
Transformers
Basic Structure of a Transformer
The basic transformer is made up of two coils. These are called the primary coil and a secondary coil.
As the names suggest, they are simply just wires that have been shaped into coils (solenoids). The primary and secondary coils of the transformer are wound around an iron core, in a similar way to the solenoids in earlier tutorials.
Using Iron
- Iron can be called an ‘induced magnet’. This means that it becomes magnetic very easily in the presence of a current. This property makes it perfect as the core of a transformer; it enables us to magnetise and use the transformer very easily.
- Iron is also very easily demagnetised. Once we stop applying the current, the iron loses most of its magnetism very quickly which allows us to switch the transformer on and off very easily.
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