Amperage the same in Series Circuits?

AI Thread Summary
In a series circuit, the current remains constant, but a transformer operates differently as it consists of two magnetically coupled loops, not a single series circuit. The primary and secondary circuits are independent, allowing for different currents while conserving electric charge. When a transformer increases voltage, it decreases current proportionally to maintain the same power output, as described by the relationship P=VI (Power = Voltage x Current). Understanding Lenz's law and the power flow mechanism is crucial for grasping how transformers function. This distinction clarifies the misconception about current behavior in transformers compared to series circuits.
kkorcaleb
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
If current is always the same in a series circuit then how is a transformer able to make the current smaller when it increases the voltage? is this just an exception since with the voltage being higher the same amount of power is being provided?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
kkorcaleb said:
If current is always the same in a series circuit then how is a transformer able to make the current smaller when it increases the voltage? is this just an exception since with the voltage being higher the same amount of power is being provided?

Welcome to the PF.

What reading have you been doing about how transformers work? Can you post links to your research so far, and ask specific questions about your reading? The concepts of flux coupling and turns ratio are key to answering your own question... :smile:
 
kkorcaleb said:
If current is always the same in a series circuit then how is a transformer able to make the current smaller when it increases the voltage? is this just an exception since with the voltage being higher the same amount of power is being provided?

A transformer is not a series circuit. The primary loop isn't connected at all with the secondary loop. All the current that goes into the primary loop comes out of the primary loop again, and the same goes for the secondary loop.Electric charge is conserved, even if the currents in the primary and secondary loops are different.
 
kkorcaleb said:
If current is always the same in a series circuit then how is a transformer able to make the current smaller when it increases the voltage? is this just an exception since with the voltage being higher the same amount of power is being provided?
In a transformer, primary and secondary are 'magnetically' coupled. So, its not a series electrical circuit. Lenz's law will help you understand the basic working principle of the transformer. Power flow mechanism from primary to secondary will give you an explanation for stepping up and stepping down of the voltages and currents.
 
That makes more sense thank you very much
 
Thread 'Weird near-field phenomenon I get in my EM simulation'

Thread 'Weird near-field phenomenon I get in my EM simulation'

I recently made a basic simulation of wire antennas and I am not sure if the near field in my simulation is modeled correctly. One of the things that worry me is the fact that sometimes I see in my simulation "movements" in the near field that seems to be faster than the speed of wave propagation I defined (the speed of light in the simulation). Specifically I see "nodes" of low amplitude in the E field that are quickly "emitted" from the antenna and then slow down as they approach the far...
View full post »

Thread 'EMF (Electromagnetic Field) & EHS (Electromagnetic Hyper Sensitivity)'

Hello dear reader, a brief introduction: Some 4 years ago someone started developing health related issues, apparently due to exposure to RF & ELF related frequencies and/or fields (Magnetic). This is currently becoming known as EHS. (Electromagnetic hypersensitivity is a claimed sensitivity to electromagnetic fields, to which adverse symptoms are attributed.) She experiences a deep burning sensation throughout her entire body, leaving her in pain and exhausted after a pulse has occurred...
View full post »

Similar threads

Faraday disc voltage increase
Replies
3
Views
1K
Why Does My Varactor Diode Test Circuit Behave Differently on a Breadboard?
2
Replies
93
Views
7K
Does placing two inductors in series make a current lag of 180 degrees?
Replies
3
Views
801
Solving Power Delivery Issues in a 5V Series Circuit with a 1.5V Rated Relay
Replies
12
Views
3K
Voltaic cell + battery in series
Replies
3
Views
2K
Need help in understanding these circuits
Replies
2
Views
2K
Understanding dependent sources in electric circuits
Replies
19
Views
3K
Calculate current in a 120 VAC circuit with a series 10uF capacitor
Replies
10
Views
2K
High-energy LC oscillatory discharge: what kind of switch?
Replies
19
Views
1K
What explains the current flow in a LC circuit?
Replies
4
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top