Chapter 25.2, Problem 22SSC

To determine

The effect on the primary current if the secondary coil is short circuited.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

A transformer is a device used to step up or step down the voltage. It works on the principle of electromagnetic induction, which says that when a conducting wire is kept in a varying magnetic field, electric current is induced in the wire.

If the secondary coil of a transformer is shorted, the current in the secondary coil will be direct which will oppose the change of flux in the primary coil, resulting in a much smaller flux and voltage induced in the primary coil. As a result, the difference between the external voltage and the voltage which is induced is much larger, and so is the primary current.

Conclusion:

If the secondary coil of a transformer is shorted, the difference between the external voltage and the voltage which is induced is much larger, and so is the primary current.