Step-Up vs. Step-Down Transformers

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Objective

I can differentiate between step-up and step-down transformers.

Part 1 of 4

Warm-up video

Engineeringness · 11:06

We don't generate video — this one is by Engineeringness on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.

Part 2 of 4

Key concepts

3 concepts

  1. 1

    A transformer is an electrical device that uses electromagnetic induction to change the voltage of an alternating current without changing its frequency.

  2. 2

    A step-up transformer has more turns on the secondary coil than the primary coil, while a step-down transformer has fewer turns on the secondary coil.

  3. 3

    Transformers only work with alternating current (AC) because they rely on a constantly changing magnetic flux to induce voltage in the secondary coil; they do not work with direct current (DC).

Part 3 of 4

Practice

7 questions

1

What is the primary function of a transformer?

2

A transformer has 500 turns in its primary coil and 1000 turns in its secondary coil. Is this a step-up or step-down transformer?

Part 4 of 4

Exit ticket

Quick comprehension check

A transformer has 500 turns in its primary coil and 1000 turns in its secondary coil. Is this a step-up or step-down transformer? Explain your answer.

Sample answer included in the free materials

Get the materials

Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format

  • Teacher Guide

    Complete lesson plan with answer keys and alternate activities

  • Student Handout

    Printable worksheet

  • Slides

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