Using 3 - 4 complete sentences, explain the role of both types of transformers in getting electric energy from an electric power plant (coal-fired, natural gas or nuclear) to our homes.

Power is the product of voltage and current but resistance loss in the transmission wire is due to current (i^2*R). To minimize power loss due to wire resistance, use high voltage and low current. However high voltage is dangerous in a home or business. Therefore a step up transformer is used to feed power at thousands of volts into a long distance cable and a step down transformer reduces the power from the cable down to 220 or 110 volt local wires in neighborhoods for home use.

Both types of transformers, step-up and step-down transformers, play a crucial role in getting electric energy from a power plant to our homes. Step-up transformers are used at the power plant to increase the voltage of the electricity generated. This high voltage is then transmitted efficiently over long distances through power lines. At the receiving end, step-down transformers lower the voltage before the electricity enters our homes, making it safe for household use. In this way, both types of transformers ensure efficient transmission and safe delivery of electric energy from the power plant to our homes.