Author Question: Homework Help- How does an electrical transformer work? (Read 1390 times)

federox

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 308
Science homework-
Research how a transformer works, produce a short summary with diagrams.

can anyone help me with this please? i can find the diagrams if you could help me with the research on how they works. thanks :) <3



Yolanda

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 757
Let's look at the electricity that comes to your home. When electricity moves from a power plant it is put into a very high voltage to be able to travel long distances. The high voltage lines can be as high 155,000 to 765,000 volts to travel many hundreds of miles.

In order for your home or a store to use the electricity, it has to be at a lower voltage than on the long-distance lines. So, the electricity is "stepped-down to a lower level using a transformer. This lower voltage electricity is put into the local electric wires at a substation. The substation breaks the larger amount of power down into smaller pieces at lower voltage. It then is stepped down again and again.

Once smaller transformers take that voltage down to usually 7,200, the power leaves this substation.

In your neighborhood, a transformer on top of a utility pole, or one connected to underground wires, transforms the 7,200 volts into 220-240 volts. This is then sent into your home over three wires. The three wires go through the electric meter, which measures how much electricity you use. One of the three wires is the ground, and the other two are the positives.

Some of the electrical appliances in your home use the 220-240 volts. These are things like a water heater, stove and oven, or air conditioner. They have very special connections and plugs. Other devices, like your TV or computer only use one-half of the electricity -- 110-120 volts.

In a toy train set, the voltage is reduced even more from 110-120 and is changed from alternating current into direct current.

Some businesses use higher voltage power to run big machines. So, they don't need to have the voltage reduced as much.
Let's look at the electricity that comes to your home. When electricity moves from a power plant it is put into a very high voltage to be able to travel long distances. The high voltage lines can be as high 155,000 to 765,000 volts to travel many hundreds of miles.

In order for your home or a store to use the electricity, it has to be at a lower voltage than on the long-distance lines. So, the electricity is "stepped-down to a lower level using a transformer. This lower voltage electricity is put into the local electric wires at a substation. The substation breaks the larger amount of power down into smaller pieces at lower voltage. It then is stepped down again and again.

Once smaller transformers take that voltage down to usually 7,200, the power leaves this substation.

In your neighborhood, a transformer on top of a utility pole, or one connected to underground wires, transforms the 7,200 volts into 220-240 volts. This is then sent into your home over three wires. The three wires go through the electric meter, which measures how much electricity you use. One of the three wires is the ground, and the other two are the positives.

Some of the electrical appliances in your home use the 220-240 volts. These are things like a water heater, stove and oven, or air conditioner. They have very special connections and plugs. Other devices, like your TV or computer only use one-half of the electricity -- 110-120 volts.

In a toy train set, the voltage is reduced even more from 110-120 and is changed from alternating current into direct current.

Some businesses use higher voltage power to run big machines. So, they don't need to have the voltage reduced as much.


THERE IS A PIC WITH THIS WEBSITE!



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
 

Did you know?

Long-term mental and physical effects from substance abuse include: paranoia, psychosis, immune deficiencies, and organ damage.

Did you know?

Patients who have undergone chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer often complain of a lack of mental focus; memory loss; and a general diminution in abilities such as multitasking, attention span, and general mental agility.

Did you know?

Certain topical medications such as clotrimazole and betamethasone are not approved for use in children younger than 12 years of age. They must be used very cautiously, as directed by a doctor, to treat any child. Children have a much greater response to topical steroid medications.

Did you know?

The tallest man ever known was Robert Wadlow, an American, who reached the height of 8 feet 11 inches. He died at age 26 years from an infection caused by the immense weight of his body (491 pounds) and the stress on his leg bones and muscles.

Did you know?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was originally known as the Communicable Disease Center, which was formed to fight malaria. It was originally headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, since the Southern states faced the worst threat from malaria.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library