The physical layout of the windings affects which aspect of transformer operation?

The physical layout of transformer windings plays a significant role in determining the induced voltages. The arrangement of the windings affects how the magnetic field interacts with each coil, as well as the coupling between different phases. In transformers, particularly those with multiple windings for different voltage levels, the positioning and orientation of each winding can significantly influence the voltage that is induced in each coil based on the alternating magnetic field created by current in the primary winding.

The layout can impact the efficiency of the magnetic flux linkage between the primary and secondary windings, which is crucial for optimal voltage transformation. If the arrangement is not optimal, it can lead to uneven voltage distribution among the phases or between different sections of the windings, affecting the overall performance of the transformer.

While heat dissipation, voltage regulation, and load balancing are also influenced by the windings' configuration, they are more effects of operation rather than direct consequences of how the induced voltages are affected by physical layout. Thus, the primary focus of the question is correctly on how the physical arrangement directly correlates to the voltages generated in the windings.