This article presents about Why does the transformer operate on alternating current and not direct current?, Why doesn’t the transformer work with direct current?, Why do transformers use alternating current and not direct current?
Why does the transformer operate on alternating current and not direct current?
A transformer works with alternating current (AC) and not direct current (DC) because it relies on the principle of electromagnetic induction, which requires a changing magnetic field.
Alternating current provides a continuously variable current that creates a fluctuating magnetic field in the transformer core. This changing magnetic field induces a voltage in the secondary winding. In contrast, DC provides a constant current that produces a stable magnetic field, which does not induce voltage in the secondary winding after initial connection.
Therefore, transformers need alternating current to function properly.
Why doesn’t the transformer work with direct current?
The transformer operates only on alternating current because the magnetic field of the core must vary to induce a voltage in the secondary winding.
Changes in the direction and magnitude of the alternating current create the fluctuating magnetic field necessary for the induction process. Direct current would only produce a static magnetic field after initial connection, which is insufficient for continuous operation and voltage transformation in a transformer.
Why do transformers use alternating current and not direct current?
Alternating current is used instead of direct current for several reasons, including ease of voltage transformation and long-distance transmission.
Alternating current can be easily transformed into higher or lower voltages using transformers, which is essential for efficient power distribution. High voltage alternating current is transmitted over long distances to minimize energy loss, then reduced to lower voltages for safe use.
DC transmission is less practical for this purpose due to its difficulty in voltage conversion and higher energy losses over long distances.
The operating principle of a transformer is based on electromagnetic induction.
When an alternating current flows through the primary winding, it generates a varying magnetic field in the transformer core. This varying magnetic field induces a voltage in the secondary winding according to Faraday’s law of induction. The ratio of the turns of the primary winding to the secondary winding determines the increase or decrease in voltage between the two windings.
Direct current cannot be transmitted over long distances like alternating current due to large energy losses and practical limitations in voltage transformation.
High-voltage DC transmission is technically difficult and expensive, because the DC voltage cannot be easily increased or decreased using conventional transformers.
Alternating current can be easily transformed into high voltage for efficient transmission over long distances and then reduced for use, thereby reducing energy losses and making it more practical for large-scale distribution.
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