In a schematic, what does a step-down transformer indicate about the output voltage?

A step-down transformer is designed to reduce voltage from a higher level to a lower level. In practical terms, it accomplishes this by having more turns of wire on the primary coil (input) than on the secondary coil (output). As a result, when alternating current flows through the transformer, the voltage on the secondary side is stepped down compared to the primary side.

This characteristic of a step-down transformer is critical in various applications, such as power distribution, where it is necessary to lower the voltage for safe usage or to match specific device requirements. The transformation ratio directly dictates that the output voltage will always be lower than the input voltage, making it essential for ensuring that electrical devices receive the appropriate voltage levels for operation.

Options indicating a higher output voltage or the same voltage would misrepresent the fundamental function of a step-down transformer. The variable option suggests that output voltage could change based on load, which can happen with certain types of transformers but does not describe a step-down transformer specifically. Thus, recognizing the specialized role of a step-down transformer in voltage reduction clarifies why the output voltage is indeed lower than the input voltage.