CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

True or False: Step up transformers decrease voltage and increase amperage?

1. True

2. False

3. Not applicable

4. Depends on the context

The correct answer is: False

Step-up transformers are designed to increase voltage while decreasing current (amperage). This is rooted in the principle of conservation of energy and the relationship defined by Ohm's Law. When voltage is increased, the current drawn from the power source is reduced to maintain the same power level (since Power = Voltage x Current). Therefore, in practical applications, such as in radiography where high voltages are necessary for x-ray production, step-up transformers play a critical role by allowing for efficient energy conversion. The statement that step-up transformers decrease voltage and increase amperage contradicts their fundamental function. It is important to recognize that these transformers are essential in many electrical systems where higher voltage is required to transmit electricity over distances with minimized losses, and they must operate according to the legal principles of electrical engineering.