How can the relationship between voltage and current in a transformer be described?

In a transformer, the relationship between voltage and current is characterized by the principle of conservation of energy and the transformer's turns ratio. When considering an ideal transformer, the voltage in the primary coil and the voltage in the secondary coil are related through the ratio of turns on each coil. This means that when the voltage is increased in one coil, the current must decrease in order to maintain the same power level (considering negligible losses).

Thus, if you have a transformer that steps up the voltage, the output current will be lower in comparison to the input current, illustrating an inverse relationship. Similarly, if the transformer steps down the voltage, the output current will increase relative to the input current. Therefore, as voltage increases, current decreases, and vice versa, which defines the inverse proportionality between these two parameters in a transformer system.

This understanding of transformer operation is fundamental in electrical engineering and helps in the design and application of transformers in various electrical systems.