Transformers: An Introduction

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to transformers.

Transformer

A device that transforms voltage, allowing electricity to enter at one voltage and leave at another.

Step-up Transformer

A transformer where the output voltage is higher than the input voltage.

Step-down Transformer

A transformer where the output voltage is smaller than the input voltage.

Mutual Inductance

The principle where the magnetic field from one coil induces voltage in an adjoining coil.

Alternating Current (AC)

An electric current that reverses direction periodically.

Eddy Currents

Currents induced in a transformer core that flow in the opposite direction of the primary current, causing heat.

Hysteresis Loss

Loss of energy in a magnetic material due to magnetism that remains after the removal of the magnetic field.

Copper Loss

Power loss in a transformer due to the resistance of the copper windings.

Core Loss

Losses in transformers related to the core, which includes iron losses like eddy current and hysteresis losses.

Laminated Iron Core

A construction method for transformer cores using thin sheets of iron to minimize eddy currents and losses.