INTRODUCTION

The transformer is a device used for converting a low

alternating voltage to a high alternating voltage or a high
alternating voltage into a low alternating voltage. It is a static
electrical device that transfers energy by inductive coupling
between its winding circuits. Transformers range in size from a
thumbnail-sized coupling transformer hidden inside a stage
microphone to huge units weighing hundreds of tons used in
power plant substations or to interconnect portions of the power
grid. All operate on the same basic principles, although the range
of designs is wide. While new technologies have eliminated the
need for transformers in some electronic circuits, transformers
are still found in many electronic devices. Transformers are
essential for high-voltage electric power transmission, which
makes long- distance transmission economically practical. A
transformer is most widely used device in both low and high
current circuit. In a transformer, the electrical energy transfer
from one circuit to another circuit takes place without the use of
moving parts. A transformer which increases the voltages is
called a step-up transformer. A transformer which decreases the
A.C. voltages is called a step-down transformer. Transformer is,
therefore, an essential piece of apparatus both for high and low

current circuits.
To investigate the relation between the ratio of -
1. Input and output voltage
2. Number of turnings in the secondary coil and primary coil of a
self made transformer.

The electric transformer works on the fundamental principle of

electromagnetic induction, a concept first discovered by Michael
Faraday in the 19th century. The transformer consists of two
coils of wire, known as the primary and secondary windings,
which are usually wound around a common magnetic core.
When an alternating current (AC) flows through the primary
winding, it generates a changing magnetic field around the coil.
According to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction, this
changing magnetic field induces an electromotive force (EMF)
or voltage in the secondary winding. The key principle here is
that the transformer relies on the mutual induction between the
primary and secondary windings through the magnetic flux
linkage.
A transformer consists of a rectangular shaft iron core made of
aminated sheets, well insulated from one another. Two coils p₁ &
pa and s₁ & s2 are wound on the same core, but are well insulated
with each other. Note that the both the coils are insulated from
the core, the source of alternating e.m.f is connected to pip2, the
primary coil and a load resistance R is connected to $1 $2, the
secondary coil through an open switch S. thus there can be no
current through the sec. coil so long as the switch is open. For
an ideal transformer, we assume that the resistance of the
primary & secondary winding is negligible. Further, the energy
loses due to magnetic the iron core is also negligible. For
operation at low frequency, we may have a soft iron. The soft
iron core is insulating by joining thin iron strips coated with
varnish to insulate them to reduce energy losses by eddy
currents. The input circuit is called primary. And the output
circuit is called secondary.

An ideal voltage step down transformer. The secondary current arises from
the action of the secondary EMF on the (not shown) load impedance.
When an altering e.m.f. is supplied to the primary coil p1p2, an
alternating current starts falling in it. The altering current in
the primary produces a changing magnetic flux, which induces
altering voltage in the primary as well as in the secondary. In a
good- transformer, whole of the magnetic flux linked with
primary is also linked with the secondary and then the induced
e.m.f. induced in each turn of the secondary is equal to that
induced in each turn of the primary. Thus, if Ep, and Es, be the
instantaneous values of the e.m.f.'s induced in the primary and
the secondary coil and Np, and Ns, are the no. of turns of the
primary and secondary coils of the transformer and
dФь/dt=rate of change of flux in each turn of the coil at this
instant we have,
Ep = -NpФь/dt ------------------------ (1) and
Es = -NsФь/dt -------------------------(2)

Since the above relations are true at every instant, so by dividing

2 by 1 we get,
Es/Ep = -Ns/Np ----------------------(3)
As Ep is the instantaneous value of back e.m.f induced in the
primary coil pl, so the instantaneous current in primary coil is
due to the difference (E-Ep) in the instantaneous values of the
applied and back e.m.f. further if Rp, is the resistance of P1P2,
coil, then the instantaneous current Ip, in the primary coil is
given by:
Ip = E - Ep/Rp
E- Ep = IpRp
When the resistance of the primary is small, IpRp can be
neglected so therefore,
E - Ep = 0 or E = Ep
Thus, Back e.m. f = Input e.m. f
Hence equation (3) can be written as,
Es/Ep =Es/E = Output e.m..f /Input e.m.f = Ns/Np = K
Where K is constant, called turn or transformation ratio.

In a step-up transformer

Es > E so K > 1, hence Ns > Np

In a step-down transformer

Es < E so K < 1, hence Ns < Np

If Ip = Value of primary current at the same instant t

and
Is = Value of secondary current at this instant, then
Input power at the instant t = Eplp and
Output power at the same instant = EsIs
If there are no losses of power in the transformer, then
Input power = output power or
Eplp = EsIs or Es/Ep = Ip/Is = K

In a step-up transformer
As K > 1, so Ip > Is or Is < Ip
I.e. current in secondary is weaker when secondary voltage is
higher.Hence, whatever we gain in voltage, we lose in current in
the same ratio. Similarly, it can be shown, that in a step-down
transformer, whatever we lose in voltage, we gain in current in
the same ratio.
Thus, a step-up transformer in reality steps down the current &
a step-down transformer steps up the current.
A Transformer based on the Principle of mutual induction
according to this principle, the amount of magnetic flux linked
with a coil changing, an e.m.f is induced in the neighbouring coil
that is if a varying current is set-up in a circuit induced e.m.f. is
produced in the neighbouring circuit. The varying current in a
circuit produce varying magnetic flux which induces e.m.f. in the
neighbouring circuit.

The transformer consists of two coils. They are insulated with

each other by insulated material and wound on a common core.
For operation at low frequency, we may have a soft iron. The
soft iron core is insulating by joining thin iron strips coated with
varnish to insulate them to reduce energy losses by eddy
currents. The input circuit is called primary. And the output
circuit is called secondary.
Efficiency of a transformer is defined as the ratio of output power
to the input power i.e.
η = Output Power /Input Power = Esls/EpIp

Thus, in an ideal transformer where there is no power losses, η =

1. But in actual practice, there are many power losses; therefore,
the efficiency of transformer is less than one.

1. Iron Rod
2. Voltmeter
3. Copper wire
4. Ammeter

CIRCUIT DIAGRAM
1. Take thick iron rod and cover it with a thick paper and wind a
large number of turns of thin Cu wire on thick paper (say 60).
This constitutes primary coil of the transformer.

2. Cover the primary coil with a sheet of paper and wound

relatively smaller number of turns (say 20) of thick copper wire
on it. This constitutes the secondary coil. It is a step-down
transformer.

3. Connect p1, p2 to A.C main and measure the input voltage and
current using A.C voltmeter and ammeter respectively.

4. Similarly, measure the output voltage and current through

S1 and S2.

5. Now connect S1 and S2 to A.C main and again measure

voltage and current through primary and secondary coil of
step up transformer.

6. Repeat all steps for other self-made transformers by changing

number of turns in primary and secondary coil.
1. We will find that ratio of Vp and Vs across the two coils is
equal to the ratio of number of turns in the coil P to that in the
coil S. i.e ., Vp/Vs = Np/Ns-----------(1)

2. The coil P (to which AC voltage is applied) is called the

primary and coil S (in which AC is induced) is called the
secondary.

3. Since coil S is placed very close to the coil P, the power in the
primary is transferred into the secondary through mutual
induction.

4. It is clear from equation 1, that by appropriate choice of the

turn ratio i.e ., Np/Ns, we can obtain a higher voltage or
lower voltage in S compared to that in P.
 ENERGY LOSS
In practice, the output energy of a transformer is always less
than the input energy, because energy losses occur due to a
number of reasons as explained below.

1. Loss of Magnetic Flux: The coupling between the coils is

seldom perfect. So, whole of the magnetic flux produced by
the primary coil is not linked up with the secondary coil.
2. Iron Loss: In actual iron cores in spite of lamination, Eddy
currents are produced. The magnitude of eddy current may,
however be small. And a part of energy is lost as the heat
produced in the iron core.
3. Copper Loss: In practice, the coils of the transformer possess
resistance. So, a part of the energy is lost due to the heat
produced in the resistance of the coil.
4. Hysteresis Loss: The alternating current in the coil tapes the
iron core through complete cycle of magnetization. So, Energy
is lost due to hysteresis.
5. Magneto restriction: The alternating current in the
Transformer may be set its parts in to vibrations and sound
May be produced. It is called humming. Thus, a part of energy
May be lost due to humming.
1. Electric Power Transmission: Transformers are crucial in
Power transmission networks to step up voltage for efficient
long-distance transmission and step-down voltage for
distribution to end-users.
2. Voltage Regulation: Transformers help maintain a stable
Voltage level by adjusting the voltage as needed, ensuring
consistent and reliable electrical supply.
3. Power Distribution: They are used in power distribution
Systems to provide various voltage levels suitable for
residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
4. Power Supply Units: Transformers are employed in power
Supply units of electronic devices, converting AC power from
outlets to the DC power needed by devices like computers and
chargers.
5. Voltage Transformation: Transformers change the voltage
levels, allowing electricity to be transmitted at high voltages
to reduce energy losses and then be distributed at lower
voltages for use.
6. Industrial Applications: Transformers power various
Industrial machinery and equipment by adapting electrical
voltage to meet specific operational requirements.
7. Electrical Appliances: Many electronic devices and appliances
use transformers to convert electricity to the required voltage.
1. The output voltage of the transformer across the secondary
Coil depends upon the ratio (Ns/Np) with respect to the input
voltage.

2. The output voltage of the transformer across the secondary

Coil depends upon the ratio (Ns/N p) with respect to the input
voltage.

3. There is a loss of power between input and output coil of a

transformer.
1. Ensure proper insulation between primary and secondary coils
to prevent short circuits.

2. While taking the readings of current and voltage the A.C

Should remain constant

3. Use appropriate safety measures when working with AC

mains, including insulated tools and gloves.

4. Securely fasten all connections to prevent accidental

disconnections during the experiment.

5. Verify the insulation on the iron rod to avoid electrical shocks

and ensure a safe working environment.

6. Double-check the circuit connections before applying AC

mains to avoid potential hazards.

7. Keep the experimental setup well-ventilated to dissipate any

heat generated during the experiment.
8. Have firefighting equipment nearby and follow emergency
procedures in case of unexpected events.
· NCERT textbook class 12
. NCERT physics lab Manuel
· www.google.com
· Wikipedia.com