Question

In what sense can a transformer be considered an electrical lever? What does it multiply? What does it not multiply?

Answer 1

Answer:

This is because it steps up or steps down electrical voltage. It multiplies either voltage (if it is a voltage transformer )or current (if it is a current transformer), but it does not multiply electrical power.

Explanation:

A transformer steps up or steps down electrical voltage, by transmitting power at a voltage, V₁ and Current I₁ at one terminal, to a voltage, V₂ and Current I₂ at its other terminals, just like a lever transmits force from one point to another. Since the power transmitted remains the same, (energy per unit time remains constant), I₁V₁ = I₂V₂ ⇒ I₁/I₂ = V₂/V₁ = n (the turns ratio of the transformer). So, the turns ratio will determine if its a step-up or step-down transformer. V₂ = nV₁. So, if V₁ > V₂ it is a step down transformer and if V₁ < V₂ it is a step-up transformer.It multiplies either voltage (if it is a voltage transformer )or current (if it is a current transformer), but it does not multiply electrical power, since P = IV = constant for the transformer.