Transformer

Change the turns on each coil and the input voltage to see how an ideal transformer sets the output voltage and currents while the flux in the iron core alternates. Switch mode to compare power losses in a cable at low and high transmission voltage.

Mode

Primary turns N_p

Secondary turns N_s

Input voltage V_p (rms)

Load resistance R

V_s/V_p = N_s/N_p
I_p/I_s = N_s/N_p (V_pI_p = V_sI_s)
V_p = N_p dΦ/dt, f = 50 Hz

Try this

Set N_p = 100 and N_s = 400. Predict V_s and the ratio I_p/I_s before reading them, then check that input and output power match.
Halve the load resistance: notice that V_s stays the same but both currents double.
In transmission mode, raise V by a factor of about 10 and confirm that the power lost falls by a factor of about 100.

Common error: a step-up transformer does not increase power — in an ideal transformer V_pI_p = V_sI_s, so stepping the voltage up steps the current down by the same factor.

Practise this topicNotes D.4 HL questions D.4 Test builder Diagnostic test

← Mass spectrometer All IB Physics simulations Electron diffraction and de Broglie wavelength →