Magnetic Field in a transformer: 7 Facts You Should Know

In the present article, let us discuss the magnetic field in a transformer and 7 facts you should know.

It is possible to transfer electric energy in between the circuits, it is done magnetically, and the device that is used is usually an electromagnetic device which is known to be a transformer. The circuits which take part in the transfer of electric energy are, in general, at a different voltage to serve the purpose of the transfer.

Next, we shall discuss about the magnetic field in a transformer.

Magnetic-field-in-a-transformer

Transfer of electric energy through an electromagnetic machine familiarly known to be the transformer is done in the existance of a varying magnetic field that is set to vary. It is found that a ferromagnetic material is employed in the cores of transformers that are believed to have a permeability, i.e., higher than that of air. But, with the flux density, we can have varying permeabilities.

Flux associated with the core in a transformer is usually established by the no-load current taken in the portion. Magnetic coupling of the current is done in between the wires by a magnetic field in a transformer. Material that is believed to have high permeability as the magnetic material in the core, as well as wires in coils, has to be incorporated in order to amplify the action of a transformer

magnetic field in a transformer
Image credits: Pixabay free images

Do transformers generate the magnetic field?

Basically, two coils have been incorporated in the transformer as primary and secondary coils that are placed separately, so they have to be deprived of the electrical contact between themselves. When the primary coil is provided with a current to pass, a magnetic field is said to be generated, which keeps on changing.

It is possible to transfer electric energy in between the circuits, it is done magnetically, and the device that is used is usually an electromagnetic device which is known to be a transformer. Magnetic coupling of the current is done in between the wires by a magnetic field in a transformer.

Is a magnetic field produced in a transformer?

By Lenz’s law, we can say that the magnetic field in a transformer that is assumed to be generated internal to the iron core would tend to oppose that generated in the primary coil. This happens as there will be an induced back emf in the primary coil, which opposes its potential difference, in turn reducing the current as well as the magnetic field.

 This magnetic field in a transformer is also found to be in the opposite direction when compared to that of the secondary coil. The magnetic field produced in the iron core goes on to oppose that of in the secondary coil too.

How to calculate the magnetic field of a transformer?

It is possible to calculate the magnetic field in a transformer with the help of the Biot-Savart law, which helps find the magnetic field at a particular location that has been said to be produced by a current element placed somewhere else. We are already familiar with that field as well as the current element; both are said to be vector quantities.

A volume integral carried out over the Biot-Savart law through the total current distribution would provide us with the total magnetic field, Which involves the summation of all the contributions associated with the small current elements.

How are electric magnetic fields used in transformers?

The magnetic field variations are the basis on which, in general, the transformers are said to be designed. In a similar manner, electric field variations can also be utilized in order to design the transformer by incorporating the capacitor in place of the inductor. The electric field is not capable of providing isolation that separates the input and output as the magnetic field in a transformer does.    

The principle would be isolating the capacitor after its charged and further followed by its plate separation, which would lead to a change in the voltage existing between the plates. This will result in a mechanical voltage transformer.

capacitor
Image credits: Pixabay free images

How does an alternative current create a magnetic field in a transformer?

The magnetic field involved in the working of the transformer is associated with a magnetic force that results in a voltage which is capable of driving current. In today’s technological world, thus induced currents are very necessary, for example, in the generators usually installed in automobiles, nuclear power plants as well as bicycles which also make use of magnetism in order to generate current.

An AC is a must and should for a transformer to work as it produces a changing magnetic field in a transformer. The transformer action is also favored by a voltage associated with the coil, usually set to vary. This is how a transformer works in general.

generator
Image credits: Pixabay free images

Why does direct current not work in a transformer?

The prime function of a transformer is to transport current between the circuits keeping the voltage constant without varying. Transformers make themselves the way to our homes, power systems as well as various other industries as it guarantees the provision of safety as well as reliability accompanied by their functioning.

The transformer can be used to transfer only an alternating current but not the direct current. Below mentioned are the reasons for this fact,

  • To avoid the malfunctioning of the transformer, which would take place in the presence of a direct current.
  • Inside the iron, the core is where the magnetic field is said to be ceased and also goes on to imping the regions that are unable to withstand it.
  • To avoid the creaking sounds that would occur due to the power conversion into heat inside the transformer.
  • It would also show some abnormalities during the process.
  • It will result in the short life span of the transformer.

What is the function of the primary and secondary coils of a transformer?

By Lenz’s law, we can say that the magnetic field in a transformer that is assumed to be generated internal to the iron core would tend to oppose that generated in the primary coil. This happens as there will be an induced back emf in the primary coil, which opposes its potential difference, in turn reducing the current as well as the magnetic field in a transformer.

 This magnetic field in a transformer is also found to be in the opposite direction when compared to that of the secondary coil. The magnetic field in a transformer produced in the iron core goes on to oppose that of in the secondary coil too.

What are the steps involved in the working of a transformer when supplied with an alternating current?

The steps involved in the working of a transformer when supplied with an alternating current are given below,

  • An AC supply is usually connected to the main coil.
  • This main coil is wrapped outside the iron core through which an alternating current is said to flow.
  • A varying magnetic field is said to be produced by the provided alternating current.
  • The above steps, when carried out, would result in an alternating voltage in the so-called minor coil.
  • Thus, a secondary coil present is also associated with an alternating field.

What happens in a transformer when it is made to come in the context of a direct current?

  • The two coils incorporated in a transformer, i.e., a primary and secondary coil, are deprived of an electrical connection with each other.
  • When an alternating current is supplied, then only these coils start working. Whereas, if a direct current is provided, it will oppose the flow of current associated with the minor coil.
  • In the minor coil, we can see the induce of an unvaried voltage due to the steady growth as well as steady fall of the current in the main coil.
  • The minor coil is said to be at a zero voltage when the maximum voltage strength is reached by the first coil.
generator 2
Image credits: Pixabay free images

What do you mean by a magnetization current?

From the source, the transformer is found to draw a particular amount of current even though it is not linked to only the secondary coil but not the primary coil. In the transformer core, a flux is created by utilizing a part of the current that has been drawn by the transformer. This current is nothing but the magnetization current.

It is possible to transfer electric energy in between the circuits, it is done magnetically, and the device that is used is usually an electromagnetic device which is known to be a transformer. Magnetic coupling of the current is done in between the wires by a magnetic transformer.

What are the main parts involved in the construction of a transformer?

The primary parts that exist in a transformer are as follows,

  • Primary winding
  • Magnetic core
  • Secondary winding

Primary winding: When provided with an electrical source, it is said to generate a magnetic flux.

Magnetic core: A closed magnetic circuit is achieved by permitting the magnetic flux generated by the main winding through the secondary winding, which follows a low reluctant track or the magnetic core.

Secondary winding: The transformer provides a preferred output with the help of the secondary winding winded outside the core, which is provided by the magnetic flux produced by the primary coil through the core.

Conclusion

Basically, two coils have been incorporated into the transformer as primary and secondary coils that are placed separately, so they have to be deprived of the electrical contact in between themselves. When the primary coil is provided with a current to pass, a magnetic field is said to be generated, which keeps on changing. Magnetic coupling of the current is done in between the wires by a magnetic transformer.

Also Read: