Iron core is generally preferred over air core in transformers, since iron has higher permeability compared to air.
Also see: What is significance of all day efficiency of transformers
Transformer action requires alternating fux linking both windings. Although air core can be used for transformer action, however, such action can be more effectively obtained if iron core is employed instead of air core. Compared to air core, when using iron core flux is substantially confined to definite iron core path, since iron has much higher permeability compared to air.
Álso see Most Important Questions on Transformers:
- Why you hear Noise near Transformers
- What happens if you supply 50 Hz to a 60 Hz transformer
- What are some advantages of Oil over air as a cooling medium in Power Transformers
- Why you use Oil in Transformers
- Dot convention on Electrical Transformers
Further Reading/Handbooks on Transformers:
- The Ultimate Guide to Transformers
- The Transformer Polarity Handbook
- Electrical Transformers Handbook
- What does 3000:1 indicates on Current Transformer
- Current Transformer
- Rating Factor of Current Transformers
- Transformer’s Power and Current Capacity
- Instrument Transformer Connections Handbook PDF Download