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transformer
A device for altering the voltage of an AC supply, used chiefly for converting the high voltage at which power is transmitted over distribution systems to the normal domestic supply voltage, and for obtaining from the latter voltages suitable for electrical and electronic equipment. The transformer is based on electromagnetic induction: the "primary" voltage applied to a coil wound on a closed loop of a ferromagnetic core creates a strong oscillating magnetic field which in turn induces in a "secondary" coil wound on the same core an AC voltage proportional to the number of turns in the secondary coil. The core is laminated to prevent the flow of eddy currents which would otherwise also be induced by the magnetic field and would waste some of the energy as heat.
Related category
• ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM
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