What is the function of a transformer in electrical systems?

The function of a transformer in electrical systems is primarily to change the voltage of alternating current (AC) electricity. Transformers operate on the principle of electromagnetic induction and are designed to step up (increase) or step down (decrease) voltage levels while keeping the frequency of the electrical energy constant. This capability is crucial for the efficient transmission of electrical power over long distances; higher voltages are used to reduce energy loss due to resistance in the wires.

Transformers consist of two coils of wire (primary and secondary) wound around a magnetic core. When AC electricity flows through the primary coil, it creates a magnetic field that induces a voltage in the secondary coil. The ratio of turns in the primary to those in the secondary determines whether the voltage is stepped up or stepped down.

In contrast, the other options describe functions that are not associated with transformers. Converting DC to AC electricity involves different types of devices known as inverters. Storing electrical energy typically requires components like batteries or capacitors, not transformers. Regulating electrical currents is often handled by devices such as regulators or circuit breakers, which are separate from transformers. Thus, understanding that a transformer's primary role is to alter voltage levels is essential for grasping its importance in electrical systems.