In a transformer, if the secondary winding has fewer turns than the primary winding, what type of transformer is it?

When the secondary winding has fewer turns than the primary winding, it indicates a step-down transformer. This type of transformer is designed to reduce voltage from the primary to the secondary side. In the operation of transformers, the relationship between the number of turns in the primary and secondary windings directly affects the voltage ratio.

Specifically, a step-down transformer operates on the principle that if the secondary coil has fewer turns, the output voltage will be less than the input voltage. This is crucial in applications where a lower voltage is required for devices or systems to function properly.

In contrast, a step-up transformer would have more turns in the secondary winding compared to the primary, thereby increasing the voltage. A transformer with equal turns would not transform the voltage, and a high-frequency transformer refers to a design suited for transmitting high-frequency signals rather than indicating a step-up or step-down capability.

Understanding these principles is essential for analyzing transformer functionality in electrical circuits.