In a transformer, what is typically altered to change voltage levels?

In a transformer, the turns ratio is the crucial element that determines how voltage levels are changed. The turns ratio refers to the proportion of the number of windings (or turns) in the primary coil to the number of windings in the secondary coil. By adjusting this ratio, a transformer can either step up (increase) or step down (decrease) the voltage as it converts electrical energy from one circuit to another.

When the number of turns in the primary coil is greater than in the secondary coil, the transformer steps down the voltage. Conversely, if the secondary coil has more turns than the primary, the transformer steps up the voltage. This property is fundamental to the operation of transformers in power distribution systems and is widely utilized to manage voltage levels in electrical transmission.

Additionally, while current, frequency, and resistance play roles in electrical systems, they are not directly altered in transformers to adjust voltage levels. Instead, these factors are influenced by the operation of the transformer and the loads connected to it. Thus, understanding the significance of the turns ratio is essential for comprehending how transformers function in voltage regulation.