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Separate Physics · Paper 2 · Higher Tier only · P7

Higher: how transformers change voltage

Key ideas1 of 3

Two coils and a changing core field

A transformer has primary and secondary coils wound around an iron core. Alternating current in the primary coil creates a changing magnetic field in the core. The changing field links the secondary coil and induces a potential difference across it. Iron is used because it is easily magnetised. There is no direct electrical connection between the two separate coil windings.

Separate primary and secondary windings around a shared iron core.

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Daily 5 · Exam practice · Revision sheet ↓

Higher Tier only · P7. Use alongside the shared P7 lessons.

AQA GCSE Physics 8463 · 4.7.3.4. Original notes, questions and diagrams. Models are simplified; teaching data are illustrative.