SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/hamg-g5c06

A transformer has a 500-turn primary and a 1500-turn secondary. What is the output with 120 VAC applied?

360 volts, because the turns ratio is 3 to 1.

Start playing free

  1. 120 volts
  2. 360 volts ✔
  3. 40 volts

Why: Voltage follows the turns ratio. The secondary has three times as many turns as the primary, so the output is 3 times 120 volts, or 360 volts.

Huh, didn't know that: In a step-up transformer the primary winding wire is usually larger, to carry the higher primary current.

The dad joke
You could say you transformed her.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: 360 volts. Voltage follows the turns ratio. The secondary has three times as many turns as the primary, so the output is 3 times 120 volts, or 360 volts.

  1. NCVEC 2023-2027 General Class Pool and Syllabus (6th Errata, Feb 4 2026) ncvec.org/downloads/General%20Class%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%202023-2027%20Public%20Release%20with%206th%20Errata%20Feb%204%202026.pdf
    360 volts
    Checked 2026-10-11.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Ham RadioHow many watts does an 800-ohm load consume when it is supplied with 400 volts DC?Ham RadioWhat is the PEP produced by 200 volts peak-to-peak across a 50-ohm dummy load?Ham RadioA sine wave has an RMS voltage of 120 volts. What is its peak-to-peak voltage?

That's stuff everyone should know.