State the principle of working of a transformer. Can a transformer be used to step up or step down a d.c. voltage? Justify your answer.
Working of a transformer is based on the principle of mutual induction. Transformer cannot step up or step down a dc voltage.
Reason: No change in magnetic flux.
Explanation: When dc voltage source is applied across a primary coil of a transformer, the current in primary coil remains same, so there is no change in magnetic flux and hence no voltage is induced across the secondary coil