can some one tell me what is the purpose of the core in a transformer?
The core is mainly made of iron, A CONDUCTOR, and so, serves as the purpose of CONDUCTING or TRANSFERRING the current from the primary coil to the secondary. It helps with the electromagnetic induction. As a conductor, to allow and speed up the transfer of current process, and it itself is induced.
The core is also made of pieces which are joint via lamination, and not just one whole piece, to avoid building up of eddy current.