Transformer
A transformer is a passive electrical device that transfers electrical energy between two or more circuits. It typically uses electromagnetic induction to change voltage levels (step-up or step-down) while maintaining, or nearly maintaining, the same frequency. Transformers are crucial components in power transmission, distribution, and various electronic devices, enabling efficient and safe energy management across different applications. They consist of coils of wire wrapped around a common ferromagnetic core.
Transformer meaning with examples
- The city's power grid relies on massive transformers at substations to step down high-voltage electricity from the power plant to safer voltages for residential use. Without these transformers, efficient power distribution across vast distances would be impossible, affecting everyday life.
- In your laptop's power adapter, a small transformer converts the high voltage from the wall outlet to the lower voltage required by your computer. This allows safe charging and powering of the device.
- The design team carefully selected the correct type of transformer for the electric motor, ensuring its efficiency and preventing overheating. The correct transformer is crucial to the motor's performance.
- Engineers use transformers in radio receivers and transmitters to modify the signal voltage. This helps to amplify weak signals or adjust them to match the input requirements of different components in the communication circuit.
Transformer Synonyms
autotransformer
isolation transformer
power transformer
step-down transformer
step-up transformer
voltage transformer
Transformer Antonyms
capacitor
inductor (though only in a specific limited sense)
resistor