Current in secondary of transformer

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the behavior of an ideal transformer when connected to a high impedance load, such as an oscilloscope. It is established that with a turn ratio of one, the voltages across the primary and secondary are equal. However, if the secondary load is high impedance, there is no current flow in the secondary, resulting in no power being transferred to the secondary circuit. This scenario confirms that in an ideal lossless transformer, power is not drawn from the primary when the secondary current is absent.

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  • Understanding of transformer principles, specifically Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction.
  • Knowledge of electrical impedance and its effect on current flow.
  • Familiarity with the concept of ideal transformers and their characteristics.
  • Basic understanding of voltage, current, and power relationships in electrical circuits.
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  • Learn about the applications of oscilloscopes in measuring voltage and current in transformer circuits.
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codems5
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I am trying to get a better understanding of transformers. Assuming the transformer is ideal, and the secondary is connected to a high impedance load such as an oscilloscope, would there essentially be no current in the secondary?

In this case the turn ratio is one. So ideally, the voltages would be equal. However, if there is no current in the secondary, what is happening to the power that is transferred to the secondary? Does it just remain in the magnetic field? Thanks
 
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codems5 said:
I am trying to get a better understanding of transformers. Assuming the transformer is ideal, and the secondary is connected to a high impedance load such as an oscilloscope, would there essentially be no current in the secondary?
Correct.

codems5 said:
In this case the turn ratio is one.
No, it is still given by the physical turns ratio n.
codems5 said:
So ideally, the voltages would be equal.
No, the secondary EMF is V_2=nV_1 as usual. Faraday's law specifies the EMF generated in a loop by changing flux. Secondary current flow depends on load resistance, and may be absent as it is in this case.
codems5 said:
However, if there is no current in the secondary, what is happening to the power that is transferred to the secondary? Does it just remain in the magnetic field? Thanks
There is no power transferred to the secondary, so no power drawn by the primary in your case of an ideal lossless transformer.
 
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By saying "in this case", I meant the transformer I am working with has a turn ratio of one and thus the voltages would be equal. Sorry for the confusion. However, you answered the rest of my questions. thank you
 

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