Question: Explain how transformers work

Michael Kimwele answered on 17 Jul 2025:

Electric transformers work by using electromagnetic induction to transfer electrical energy between two coils—a primary and a secondary—wound around a magnetic core. When alternating current (AC) flows through the primary coil, it creates a changing magnetic field that induces a voltage in the secondary coil. The voltage output depends on the number of turns in each coil: more turns in the secondary coil step up the voltage, while fewer turns step it down. This allows transformers to efficiently increase or decrease voltage levels in AC power systems without any moving parts.