The discussion centers on the relationship between the potential difference (p.d.) supplied to the primary coil of a transformer and the back electromotive force (e.m.f.) generated. It clarifies that an alternating current (A.C.) supply is necessary to create a changing magnetic flux, which in turn induces a back e.m.f. that opposes the applied p.d. While the ideal scenario suggests that the applied p.d. equals the back e.m.f., in practice, they are not identical due to inefficiencies in the transformer. The conversation emphasizes that a varying p.d. is essential for maintaining a fluctuating flux, which is crucial for inducing voltage in the secondary coil. Overall, understanding these dynamics is key to grasping transformer operation.