PM SHRI KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA

CHERO SALEMPUR

SUBJECT ­ PHYSICS
SESSION ­ 2024-25

NAME ­ SATYAM TIWARI

CLASS ­ 12TH
SECTION ­ A
ROLL NUMBER ­ 23639476

TEACHERS SIGNATURE
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I sincerely express my gratitude to all those who have

helped and guided me in successfully completing my
Physics project.
First and formost, I thank my Physics teacher Mr N.P
Sahani Sir for their constant support, encouragement, and
valueable guidance throughtout the project. Their insights
and suggestions greatly enriched my learning experience.
I am also grateful to my school and its principal Mr.
Ashutosh Pandey Sir, for providing the necessary
resources and a conductive environment for completing
this project.
This project has been a rewarding journey of exploration
and learning, and I am truly thankful for the opportunity to
apply and deepen my understanding of concepts.
 CERTIFICATE

This is certified that Ashish Pandey

a student of class 12th
of PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya Chero Salmepur, has

successfully completed the Physics project file on the

topic “Working of Transformer and its Principle” under the

guidance of the Physics teacher Mr. N.P Sahani during the

academic year 2024-25 for the partial fulfillment of AISSCE

as prescribed by the CBSE.

Signature of External Signature of Internal

Examiner Examiner

Signature of Principal
 Introduction

A transformer is a device that transfers electrical energy between two or

more circuits through electromagnetic induction. The main function of a

transformer is to alter the voltage of alternating current (AC), either

stepping it up or stepping it down depending on the requirements. This

crucial component in electrical engineering allows for the efficient

transmission of electrical power across long distances and ensures that

electrical energy reaches homes and industries in a usable form.

Transformers are used in a variety of systems, from power transmission

networks to everyday household appliances. Understanding the operation

and the design of transformers provides insight into how modern

electrical systems function, enabling the safe and efficient use of

electricity.
 Working Principle

The transformer operates on the basic principle of electromagnetic

induction, which was discovered by Michael Faraday in the 19th century.

Faraday's law states that a changing magnetic field induces an

electromotive force (EMF) or voltage in a conductor placed within that

field. In a transformer, the primary coil creates a time-varying magnetic

field when an alternating current (AC) passes through it, and this

changing magnetic field induces a voltage in the secondary coil.

Mutual Induction is the phenomenon that enables the transfer of energy

from the primary coil to the secondary coil. In an ideal transformer, the

magnetic field generated by the primary coil entirely links the secondary

coil, ensuring maximum transfer of energy.

The core of the transformer, typically made from laminated sheets of iron

or steel, plays a crucial role. The core provides a low-resistance path for

the magnetic flux and ensures that most of the magnetic field is confined

within the core, thus minimizing losses.

The relation between the voltage in the primary and secondary coils is

described by the following equation:

𝐕𝐩 𝑵𝒑 𝑰𝒔
= =
𝐕𝐬 𝑵𝒔 𝑰𝒑

Where:

 VpV_p is the voltage applied to the primary coil.

 VsV_s is the voltage induced in the secondary coil.
 NpN_p is the number of turns in the primary coil.
 NsN_s is the number of turns in the secondary coil.
This equation shows that the voltage ratio is directly proportional to the

turn ratio of the coils.

 Transformer Construction

The transformer consists of the following components:

1. Core:

 The core is usually made of laminated sheets of silicon steel to

reduce energy losses due to eddy currents. The laminations are insulated

from each other to minimize these currents, which could cause energy

dissipation and heating.

 The core provides the path for the magnetic flux generated by the

primary coil and ensures that it effectively links the secondary coil.

 The material used for the core must have high magnetic

permeability to reduce energy loss during the process of magnetic flux

generation.

2. Primary Coil:

 This is the coil connected to the input AC source. The alternating

current flowing through this coil produces a time-varying magnetic field

that links to the secondary coil.

 The primary coil typically consists of copper wire wound around a

core, and the number of turns in this coil determines the magnetic flux

produced by the AC.

3. Secondary Coil:

 The secondary coil is where the induced voltage appears.

Depending on the number of turns in the secondary coil relative to the

primary coil, the voltage can either increase or decrease.

 The induced voltage in the secondary coil can be higher (step-up

transformer) or lower (step-down transformer) than the primary voltage.

4. Insulation:

 Insulation is used to electrically separate the primary and

secondary coils to prevent short-circuiting. It also helps reduce energy

losses by ensuring that the magnetic field is contained within the core.

 High-quality insulating materials are essential for ensuring the

safety of the transformer, particularly in high-voltage applications.

 Types of Transformers

1. Step-Up Transformer:

 A step-up transformer has more turns in the secondary coil than in

the primary coil (Ns>Np). As a result, the voltage in the secondary coil is

higher than in the primary coil (Vs>Vp).

 These transformers are primarily used in power stations to

increase the voltage for efficient transmission over long distances, which

reduces energy loss.

 The increased voltage reduces the current, thus minimizing the

energy losses due to the resistance of the transmission wires.

2. Step-Down Transformer:

 A step-down transformer has fewer turns in the secondary coil

compared to the primary coil (Ns<Np), leading to a lower secondary

voltage (Vs<Vp).

 These transformers are commonly used in household electrical

systems, where the high voltage from the power transmission grid is

reduced to a safer level for home appliances.

 Working of a Transformer

When an alternating current is applied to the primary coil of a

transformer, a fluctuating magnetic field is created around the coil. This

magnetic flux passes through the core and induces a voltage in the

secondary coil. The number of turns in the primary and secondary coils

determines the magnitude of the induced voltage in the secondary coil.

 Magnetic Flux: The changing current in the primary coil generates a

changing magnetic field. This field interacts with the secondary coil,

inducing an EMF according to Faraday’s Law of Induction.

 Induced Voltage: The induced voltage in the secondary coil is directly

related to the turn ratio between the primary and secondary coils. A

higher number of turns in the secondary coil results in a higher output

voltage, while a lower number of turns reduces the output voltage.

 Applications of Transformers

1. Power Transmission:

o In the electrical grid, transformers are used to step up the voltage for

long-distance transmission and then step it down for distribution to

homes and industries. High-voltage transmission reduces power loss due

to the resistance of transmission wires.

2. Power Supply Units:

o Transformers are widely used in power supply circuits for electronic

devices. For instance, adapters for laptops, mobile phones, and other

devices often contain transformers to convert the AC from the mains to

the required DC voltage.

3. Impedance Matching:

o Transformers are used in audio and radio circuits for impedance

matching, ensuring that power is efficiently transferred between

components, especially in communication systems.

 Energy Losses and Efficiency

While transformers are generally very efficient, there are some energy

losses:

1. Copper Losses: These losses occur due to the resistance of the

copper wires in the coils. When current flows through these coils, some

energy is dissipated as heat.

2. Eddy current loss: There is the loss of current due to change in

magnetic field an electric current is produced at at surface of the metal

sheet.

3. Leakage Flux: Not all the magnetic flux generated by the primary

coil links the secondary coil, which leads to some energy loss.
 Conclusion

Transformers are essential devices in the field of electrical engineering.

Their ability to step up or step down voltages allows them to be used in a

wide range of applications, from power transmission to consumer

electronics. The efficiency of transformers, coupled with their versatility,

makes them indispensable in the modern world.

Despite their simplicity, transformers operate based on deep physical

principles of electromagnetic induction, and they play a critical role in the

safe and efficient use of electrical energy. Understanding their operation

and applications not only enhances our understanding of electrical

systems but also provides insight into how energy is transferred and

distributed across the globe.

 Bibliography

1. H.C. Verma, "Concepts of Physics"

2. D.C. Pandey, "Understanding Physics"

3. R.L. Singhal, "Physics for Class 12"

4. J.R. Ramesh, "Electrical Engineering Basics"