What type of transformer can be used to electrically isolate?

The correct answer is an isolation transformer. This type of transformer is designed specifically for electrical isolation. It achieves this by ensuring that the primary winding and the secondary winding are magnetically coupled but physically separated, which means that there is no direct electrical connection between the input and output. This prevents the transmission of electrical noise, provides safety from electrical shock, and protects sensitive equipment by isolating them from voltage spikes.

In contrast, a step-up transformer is used to increase the voltage from the primary to the secondary winding, but it does not necessarily provide electrical isolation. A step-down transformer, on the other hand, decreases the voltage but also does not facilitate isolation in the same way. Mutual inductance transformers focus on the relationship of inductance between two windings but do not specifically address the requirement for electrical isolation. Therefore, the unique design and function of an isolation transformer make it the appropriate choice for applications requiring electrical isolation.