Transformers (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences (Double Award)) : Revision Note
Structure of a transformer
Extended tier only
A transformer is a device used to change the size of an alternating voltage or current
This is achieved using the generator effect
A basic transformer consists of:
a primary coil
a secondary coil
a soft iron core
Iron is used because it is easily magnetised
Construction of a simple transformer

A simple transformer is made up of a primary coil and a secondary coil wound on a soft iron core
Step-up & step-down transformers
Extended tier only
A transformer consists of a primary and secondary coil
The primary coil is the first coil
The secondary coil is the second coil
Step-up transformer
A step-up transformer:
increases the voltage of a power source
has more turns on the secondary coil than on the primary coil

A step-up transformer has more turns on the secondary coil which increases the size of the voltage
Step-down transformer
A step-down transformer:
decreases the voltage of a power source
has fewer turns on the secondary coil than on the primary coil

A step-up transformer has fewer turns on the secondary coil which decreases the size of the voltage
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