Learn more physics!
Q:
The function of a step up transformer is to increase the voltage that is input while the function of an amplifier is also the same.So, my question is that "Why isn't a transformer used in the place of an amplifier in many electronic circuits"??
- Prudhvi Raj Borra (age 18)
NIT Warangal,India.
A:
A transformer by itself can change the voltage of a signal but does not change the amount of power. For a given increase in voltage, there is an equivalent decrease in the current. The power remains constant. In fact due to resistive losses the amount of power is actually a bit less. An amplifier, on the other hand, can increase the power of a signal by using the input voltage to control a more powerful source.
LeeH
(published on 08/21/2011)
Follow-up on this answer.
