A transformer cannot be used with direct current (DC) primarily because of how transformers function based on electromagnetic induction. Transformers operate on the principle of mutual induction between the primary and secondary windings. This induction occurs due to the constantly changing magnetic flux generated by alternating current (AC) flowing through the primary winding. In contrast, DC does not produce a continuously changing magnetic flux. Without this changing flux, there is no induction in the secondary winding, thus preventing the transformer from stepping up or stepping down voltage.
DC cannot be used in a transformer because the absence of alternating current means there is no alternating magnetic field to induce voltage in the secondary winding. A transformer relies on this alternating magnetic field to induce a voltage across the secondary winding proportional to the primary winding voltage. Since DC maintains a constant polarity and does not alternate, it cannot create the necessary flux changes to induce voltage in the secondary winding.
Generally, transformers are designed and optimized to work with alternating current (AC) circuits only. They rely on the alternating nature of AC to induce voltage in the secondary winding through mutual induction. Attempting to use a transformer in a DC circuit would result in no voltage being induced in the secondary winding, rendering the transformer ineffective for voltage transformation.
Transformers work with alternating current (AC) only because AC allows for the generation of a continuously changing magnetic field. This changing magnetic field induces voltage in the secondary winding of the transformer through mutual induction. The frequency of the AC determines how rapidly the magnetic field changes direction, affecting the rate of induction and thus the voltage transformation ratio of the transformer.
In most cases, a transformer cannot be operated on DC due to the lack of alternating current and the resulting absence of a changing magnetic field. Without this alternating magnetic field, a transformer cannot induce voltage in the secondary winding. Attempting to operate a transformer on DC would not produce the expected voltage transformation and could potentially damage the transformer due to the static magnetic field present in DC.