Output of a transformer plugged into a DC voltage source by mistake?

[w3390]

Homework Statement

What would be the output of a transformer plugged into a DC voltage source by mistake?

Homework Equations

N/A

The Attempt at a Solution

Judging from the phrasing of the question, I am assuming that a transformer should not be plugged into a DC voltage source but rather AC voltage. I do not know anything about transformers, but I would think that doing this by mistake would either cause the transformer to short or nothing at all would happen. Is this correct?

 

[Delphi51]

Transformers work on these two principles:
- a current causes a magnetic field around it
- a changing magnetic field causes an electric field around it, which tends to create an electric current in a conductor

The transformer works as long as the primary current is changing, which it will be for a very short time until the DC current stabilizes. So you will get some output for a millisecond or two, then nothing.

Your thought that their could be a short circuit makes sense. The DC will not notice the reactance of the primary coil, so the current may well be too large.