eli5 Why are 110v transformers so physically heavy?

Question

For instance, a computer inputs 230v and is capable of splitting into various lower voltages and remains light?

In: 0

Answer 1

The required size of a transformer decreases with the increase of the frequency it is used with.

A straight-to-wall 50/60hz transformer is a big frickin chunk of metal.

A computer PSU or phone charger first converts the wall voltage to DC then uses a transistor bridge to turn it into 10,000-1,000,000+ Hz AC (sort of – this subject is complex). The transformer can be quite small and light then. It converts back to DC on the other end.