In a transformer, how are the currents in the primary and secondary coils related to their voltages?

In a transformer, the relationship between the currents in the primary and secondary coils and their respective voltages is governed by the principles of electromagnetism. Specifically, this relationship is outlined by the transformer equation, which states that the voltage ratio between the primary (input) and secondary (output) coils is equal to the ratio of the number of turns of wire in those coils.

When voltage is increased (stepped up) in the secondary coil, the current naturally decreases, reflecting an inverse relationship. This means that if you have a transformer that increases voltage, the current must decrease, thus making them inversely proportional. Conversely, if voltage is decreased (stepped down), the current will increase to maintain power conservation in the system.

This understanding is rooted in the principle of conservation of energy, where the input power (voltage multiplied by current) in the primary coil must equal the output power in the secondary coil (discounting losses), which leads to the conclusion that as one factor increases, the other must decrease to keep the equation balanced.

For example, if a transformer steps up voltage from 100 volts to 200 volts, the current will drop accordingly to maintain power equivalence. Thus, the correct answer reflects the fundamental operational characteristic of