Simulation 5: Transformers

This transformer contains several important components which illustrate the tranformation of power into electric current. This phenomenon applies to everyday life, as all household outlets can be traced back to a transformer somewhere. This applet can be broken down into two major regions, the regions to the left and right of the coils of the transformer. In the left-hand region a sinusoidal signal with root mean square voltage of 100 appears as the input. This voltage is transfered to the right-hand region with a scaling factor equal to the number of secondary coil turns divided by the number of primary coil turns. Thus, increasing the turn ratio decreases the amount of current that enters the circuit on the right. Also, in the right-hand side of the circuit there is a series combination of a diode, a resistor and an ammeter. Note that the diode allows only the positive swing of the signusoidal wave to be seen across the resistor; it acts as a clamp at voltage = 0.

Another feature you will notice is the variable thickness of the coil wire. Here, by increasing the thickness of the wire, you increase the surface area of the wire, creating more resistance. Which will also decrease the amount of current through the circuit as can be seen on the ammeter.