In electrical transformers, what does the term "secondary" refer to?

In electrical transformers, the term "secondary" specifically refers to the output side of the transformer. It is the winding that delivers the electric energy to the load after the transformer has modified the voltage from the input side, known as the "primary." When alternating current flows through the primary winding, it creates a magnetic field that induces a current in the secondary winding. This allows for the transformation of electrical energy, where the voltage can either be stepped up or stepped down depending on the winding turns ratio between the primary and secondary.

Understanding this concept is crucial because it forms the basis of how transformers function in electrical systems, making it clear why the secondary is vital to delivering power to the connected devices.