Final answer:
The statement that step down transformers decrease voltage and increase amperage is true. This functioning is explained by the transformer equation that relates voltages and the number of turns in the coils and by the principle of energy conservation.
Step-by-step explanation:
True or False, Step down transformers decrease voltage and increase amperage? The statement is true. A step-down transformer is designed to reduce the voltage from the primary coil to the secondary coil which, according to the conservation of energy and assuming negligible resistance, results in an increase in current. This relationship is critical in electrical engineering for efficiently transmitting power across distances with minimal loss. The transformer equation, which shows that the ratio of the secondary to primary voltages is equal to the ratio of the number of turns in their windings affirms this operation.
For a step-down transformer this ratio is less than one. Moreover, despite decreasing voltage, the overall power remains approximately constant, as transformer efficiency often exceeds 99%, so Pp = IpVp = IsVs = Ps where P is power, V is voltage and I is current with subscripts p and s denoting primary and secondary respectively.