Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) Subject Area Practice Test

A transformer primarily works with which form of energy?

1. Mechanical energy

2. Heat energy

3. Sound energy

4. Electricity

The correct answer is: Electricity

A transformer primarily operates with electricity, as its main function is to transfer electrical energy between circuits using electromagnetic induction. It takes alternating current (AC) in one coil of wire and produces a varying magnetic field that induces a voltage in another coil of wire. This process allows for the efficient transfer of electrical energy at different voltage levels, making it an essential component in electrical power distribution systems. Mechanical energy, heat energy, and sound energy are not the primary forms of energy that transformers work with. While mechanical energy is involved in generators, heat energy is often a byproduct of energy conversion processes, and sound energy does not play a role in the basic operation of a transformer. Therefore, electricity is the correct form of energy associated with the functioning of transformers.