IGCSE 0625 / Section 4.5.6 / Core

Changing the voltage.

Two coils sharing an iron core, never touching, yet one feeds power to the other across the gap. By choosing how many times each coil is wound, a transformer can raise or lower an alternating voltage almost at will.

The key idea

A transformer changes an alternating voltage using two coils on a soft iron core. The changing field from the primary induces an e.m.f. in the secondary. More turns on the secondary steps the voltage up; fewer steps it down. The grid steps voltage up for efficient transmission and down for safe use.

Definition · learn the exact words

A transformer changes the voltage of an alternating supply. An alternating current in the primary coil makes a changing magnetic field in the soft iron core, which induces an alternating e.m.f. in the secondary coil.

step-up: more turns on the secondary · step-down: fewer

Transformers work only with a.c. The grid steps voltage up to transmit, then down to use.

Section 01

Wind the coils.

Change the turns on each coil and watch the secondary voltage step up or down.

Stage 1 · Learn

Check transformers

Four quick checks. Each correct answer earns XP and lights this skill on your star map.

Quick check+10 XP

A transformer is used to change the...

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A step-up transformer has more turns on the...

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A transformer works only with...

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The core of a transformer is usually made of...

Section 02

Up to send, down to use.

The grid raises the voltage for transmission and lowers it again for homes.

Examiner trap

A transformer works only with alternating current, because it needs a changing magnetic field to induce an e.m.f. in the secondary. A steady direct current would induce nothing once the field had settled.

Stage 2 · Exam

Exam-style questions

Unlocks once the four checks above are done. Worth more XP, written in the style of Paper 2.

Finish the four checks above to unlock the exam questions
Exam style+20 XP

A transformer has fewer turns on its secondary coil than its primary. It is a...

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Why is electrical energy transmitted across the National Grid at very high voltage?

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A transformer connected to a steady direct current supply gives no output because...

Skill unlocked

Transformers, mastered.

Transformers are mapped. Keep the chain going.

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Go deeper · practice
Six original Cambridge-style questions
How a transformer changes an a.c. voltage, step-up and step-down, the soft iron core, and use in the grid. Attempt each, then reveal the worked solution.
Stage 3 · master the unit
Electricity and magnetism challenge
Mixed questions across the whole unit, each one worth XP. Start this only when you feel confident across every topic in the unit, not just transformers.
Start the unit challenge →