Slides · PPTX · 209 KB · 27 slides
Transformers - Teacher Slides.pptx
The lesson slides with the teacher's notes on each slide, and every question and mark scheme built in. Built from the lesson script on 30 September 2026.
AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 2 · HIGHER TIER ONLY
Transformers
Magnetism and electromagnetism
Lesson 8 of 8
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 2 · HIGHER TIER ONLY
Warm-up
Magnetism and electromagnetism
Lesson 8 of 8
Answer each one, then check.
1
What is the National Grid?
2
Why is high voltage used in the grid?
3
What is power?
4
What is a.c.?
5
What is a coil?
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 2 · HIGHER TIER ONLY
Warm-up - Answers
Magnetism and electromagnetism
Lesson 8 of 8
1
What is the National Grid?
The network that transfers electrical power
2
Why is high voltage used in the grid?
To reduce energy lost as heat
3
What is power?
The rate of transfer of energy
4
What is a.c.?
Alternating current
5
What is a coil?
Loops of wire
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 2 · HIGHER TIER ONLY
Learning Objectives
Magnetism and electromagnetism
Lesson 8 of 8
1
Describe the structure and function of a transformer.
2
Explain how a step-up and a step-down transformer work.
3
Use V_p / V_s = n_p / n_s.
4
Use V_s I_s = V_p I_p for a 100% efficient transformer.
5
Explain why the National Grid uses transformers.
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 2 · HIGHER TIER ONLY
Magnetism and electromagnetism
Lesson 8 of 8
THE TRANSFORMER EQUATIONS
V_p/(V_s) = n_p/(n_s) and V_s × I_s = V_p × I_p
V_p, I_p, n_p are for the primary coil; V_s, I_s, n_s for the secondary. The second equation assumes 100% efficiency (power in = power out).
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 2 · HIGHER TIER ONLY
A Transformer
Magnetism and electromagnetism
Lesson 8 of 8

The iron core links the magnetic field between the coils.
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 2 · HIGHER TIER ONLY
How a Transformer Works
Magnetism and electromagnetism
Lesson 8 of 8
Follow the steps.
1
a.c. in the primary
An alternating current flows in the primary coil.
2
Changing field
It produces a changing magnetic field in the iron core.
3
Field through the secondary
The changing field passes through the secondary coil.
4
Generator effect
An alternating p.d. is induced in the secondary coil.
5
Turns ratio
The ratio of turns sets the ratio of potential differences.
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 2 · HIGHER TIER ONLY
Step-up or Step-down?
Magnetism and electromagnetism
Lesson 8 of 8
STEP-UP TRANSFORMER
• More turns on the secondary coil.
• Increases the potential difference.
• Used at power stations before the grid.
STEP-DOWN TRANSFORMER
• Fewer turns on the secondary coil.
• Decreases the potential difference.
• Used near homes to bring the p.d. down to 230 V.
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 2 · HIGHER TIER ONLY
Using the Turns Ratio
Magnetism and electromagnetism
Lesson 8 of 8
A transformer has 200 turns on its primary coil and 1000 on its secondary. The input is 12 V. Calculate the output potential difference.
1
Write the equation
V_p / V_s = n_p / n_s
2
Rearrange
V_s = V_p × n_s ÷ n_p
3
Substitute
V_s = 12 × 1000 ÷ 200
4
Answer
V_s = 60 V
ANSWER
60 V
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 2 · HIGHER TIER ONLY
Power In Equals Power Out
Magnetism and electromagnetism
Lesson 8 of 8
A 100% efficient transformer has a primary p.d. of 230 V and current of 2.0 A. The secondary p.d. is 11.5 V. Calculate the secondary current.
1
Write the equation
V_s I_s = V_p I_p
2
Rearrange
I_s = V_p I_p ÷ V_s
3
Substitute
I_s = 230 × 2.0 ÷ 11.5
4
Answer
I_s = 40 A
ANSWER
40 A
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 2 · HIGHER TIER ONLY
Why the National Grid Uses Them
Magnetism and electromagnetism
Lesson 8 of 8
High voltage, low current.
Step-up at the power station
Raises the p.d. (up to 400 000 V) and lowers the current.
Lower current
Less energy is wasted as heat in the cables.
Step-down near homes
Reduces the p.d. to 230 V for safe use.
Efficiency
The grid is efficient because transformers waste little energy.
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 2 · HIGHER TIER ONLY
Key Terms
Magnetism and electromagnetism
Lesson 8 of 8
Transformer
A device that changes the potential difference of an alternating supply.
Primary coil
The input coil of a transformer.
Secondary coil
The output coil of a transformer.
Step-up transformer
A transformer that increases the potential difference.
Step-down transformer
A transformer that decreases the potential difference.
Soft iron core
A core that easily becomes magnetised and demagnetised, linking the coils.
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 2 · HIGHER TIER ONLY
Magnetism and electromagnetism
Lesson 8 of 8
YOUR TASK
Transformer Sums
15 minutes
A transformer has n_p = 50 and n_s = 500. Input 10 V a.c. Find V_s. If the input current is 2.0 A, find I_s assuming 100% efficiency.
1
Step-up: p.d. up, current down.
WHAT A GOOD ANSWER SHOWS
Vs = 10 × 500 ÷ 50 = 100 V. Power in = 20 W, so Is = 20 ÷ 100 = 0.20 A.
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 2 · HIGHER TIER ONLY
Can I...?
Magnetism and electromagnetism
Lesson 8 of 8
Name the parts.
Explain the working.
State step-up and step-down.
Use the turns ratio.
Use power in = power out.
Explain why a.c. is needed.
Explain the National Grid.
Give typical voltages.
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 2 · HIGHER TIER ONLY
Summary & Exam Focus
V_p / V_s = n_p / n_s.
V_s I_s = V_p I_p for 100% efficiency.
Step-up increases the p.d. and decreases the current.
a.c. is needed for a changing field.
EXAM FOCUS
A transformer has 200 primary turns and 1000 secondary turns. The input is 12 V. Calculate the output. (2 marks)
Vs = Vp × ns ÷ np.
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 2 · HIGHER TIER ONLY
Exam Practice: Transformers
Magnetism and electromagnetism
Lesson 8 of 8
Answer all questions. Use the mark allocation as a guide to how much to write. · 17 minutes
Question 1 · 2 marks · Calculate
A transformer has 200 turns on its primary coil and 1000 turns on its secondary coil. The input potential difference is 12 V. Calculate the…
Question 2 · 4 marks · Explain
Explain how a transformer changes the potential difference of an alternating supply.
Question 3 · 3 marks · Calculate
A transformer is 100% efficient. The primary p.d. is 230 V and the primary current is 2.0 A. The secondary p.d. is 11.5 V. Calculate the…
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 2 · HIGHER TIER ONLY
Exam Practice: Transformers (cont.)
Magnetism and electromagnetism
Lesson 8 of 8
Question 4 · 3 marks · Explain
Explain why a transformer does not work with a direct current.
Question 5 · 4 marks · Explain
Explain why electricity is transmitted in the National Grid at a very high potential difference.
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 2 · HIGHER TIER ONLY
Question 1 · 2 marks · Calculate
Magnetism and electromagnetism
Lesson 8 of 8
“
A transformer has 200 turns on its primary coil and 1000 turns on its secondary coil. The input potential difference is 12 V. Calculate the output potential difference. Use the equation: Vp ÷ Vs = np ÷ ns
HOW TO ANSWER IT
Command word: Calculate. Worth 2 marks, so plan before writing.
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 2 · HIGHER TIER ONLY
Question 1 · mark scheme
Magnetism and electromagnetism
Lesson 8 of 8
2 marks available. Award a mark for each point made.
Correct rearrangement and substitution
1 mark
60 V
1 mark
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 2 · HIGHER TIER ONLY
Question 2 · 4 marks · Explain
Magnetism and electromagnetism
Lesson 8 of 8
“
Explain how a transformer changes the potential difference of an alternating supply.
HOW TO ANSWER IT
Command word: Explain. Worth 4 marks, so plan before writing.
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 2 · HIGHER TIER ONLY
Question 2 · mark scheme
Magnetism and electromagnetism
Lesson 8 of 8
4 marks available. Award a mark for each point made.
a.c. in the primary makes a changing magnetic field
1 mark
Field carried by the iron core to the secondary
1 mark
Induced p.d. in the secondary (generator effect)
1 mark
Turns ratio sets the p.d. ratio
1 mark
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 2 · HIGHER TIER ONLY
Question 3 · 3 marks · Calculate
Magnetism and electromagnetism
Lesson 8 of 8
“
A transformer is 100% efficient. The primary p.d. is 230 V and the primary current is 2.0 A. The secondary p.d. is 11.5 V. Calculate the secondary current.
HOW TO ANSWER IT
Command word: Calculate. Worth 3 marks, so plan before writing.
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 2 · HIGHER TIER ONLY
Question 3 · mark scheme
Magnetism and electromagnetism
Lesson 8 of 8
3 marks available. Award a mark for each point made.
Vs Is = Vp Ip
1 mark
Correct substitution
1 mark
40 A
1 mark
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 2 · HIGHER TIER ONLY
Question 4 · 3 marks · Explain
Magnetism and electromagnetism
Lesson 8 of 8
“
Explain why a transformer does not work with a direct current.
HOW TO ANSWER IT
Command word: Explain. Worth 3 marks, so plan before writing.
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 2 · HIGHER TIER ONLY
Question 4 · mark scheme
Magnetism and electromagnetism
Lesson 8 of 8
3 marks available. Award a mark for each point made.
d.c. produces a constant field
1 mark
No change in field in the secondary
1 mark
No p.d. induced
1 mark
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 2 · HIGHER TIER ONLY
Question 5 · 4 marks · Explain
Magnetism and electromagnetism
Lesson 8 of 8
“
Explain why electricity is transmitted in the National Grid at a very high potential difference.
HOW TO ANSWER IT
Command word: Explain. Worth 4 marks, so plan before writing.
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 2 · HIGHER TIER ONLY
Question 5 · mark scheme
Magnetism and electromagnetism
Lesson 8 of 8
4 marks available. Award a mark for each point made.
Step-up transformer raises p.d.
1 mark
Current is lower for the same power
1 mark
Less energy wasted as heat
1 mark
Step-down near homes for safety
1 mark
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