Which of the following components causes a transformer to be less efficient?

The reason flux leakage causes a transformer to be less efficient lies in the functioning of a transformer itself. A transformer operates based on the principle of electromagnetic induction, where an alternating current in the primary coil generates a magnetic field that induces a current in the secondary coil. For maximum efficiency, all the magnetic field generated by the primary coil should ideally link with the secondary coil.

However, in real transformers, not all the magnetic field is confined within the core; some of it "leaks" into the surrounding air or other structures, leading to a portion of the energy being wasted. When flux leakage occurs, it results in less effective energy transfer between the primary and secondary coils, thus reducing the overall efficiency of the transformer. The more flux that leaks, the more energy is lost as heat rather than being converted into usable electrical energy.

This inefficiency directly affects the performance of transformers in various applications, making it a critical parameter for design and operation in electrical systems. By understanding the impact of flux leakage, engineers can take measures to minimize it and improve transformer efficiency.