Using 3 - 4 complete sentences, explain the role of both types of transformers in getting electric energy from an electric power plant (coal-fired, natural gas or nuclear) to our homes.

Answer 1

Power is the product of voltage and current but resistance loss in the transmission wire is due to current (i^2*R). To minimize power loss due to wire resistance, use high voltage and low current. However high voltage is dangerous in a home or business. Therefore a step up transformer is used to feed power at thousands of volts into a long distance cable and a step down transformer reduces the power from the cable down to 220 or 110 volt local wires in neighborhoods for home use.