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What component changes 120 V AC power to a lower AC voltage?

A transformer steps 120 V AC down to a lower AC voltage.

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  1. A transformer ✔
  2. A diode
  3. A variable capacitor

Why: A transformer has two coils that share a magnetic field. With fewer turns on the output coil, the voltage comes out lower. It only works with AC.

Huh, didn't know that: Transformers can also step voltage up, which helps power companies send electricity long distances.

The dad joke
I asked the transformer to lower its voltage. It said it was just stepping down for a while.
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References

Answer: A transformer. A transformer has two coils that share a magnetic field. With fewer turns on the output coil, the voltage comes out lower. It only works with AC.

  1. NCVEC 2026-2030 Technician Question Pool (February 19, 2026 errata) ncvec.org/downloads/2026-2030%20Technician%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%20Public%20Release%20Feb%2019%202026.pdf
    B. Transformer
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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