Loudspeakers & Microphones — GCSE Physics Revision
Revise Loudspeakers & Microphones for GCSE Physics. Step-by-step explanation, worked examples, common mistakes and exam-style practice aligned to AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, Cambridge International (CIE), SQA, IB, AP.
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Go to Electromagnetic InductionWhat is Loudspeakers & Microphones?
Loudspeakers and microphones are devices that convert between sound waves and electrical signals. A loudspeaker uses the motor effect to turn an electrical signal into sound. A varying current in a coil attached to a cone causes it to vibrate, creating sound waves. A microphone does the opposite, using the generator effect. Sound waves make a diaphragm and a coil vibrate in a magnetic field, which induces a current that matches the sound.
Board notes: Covered by AQA and Edexcel. OCR covers the principles but may not focus on these specific devices in as much detail. The link to the motor and generator effects is key.
Step-by-step explanationWorked example
Explain how a loudspeaker creates a sound wave. Solution: An alternating electrical signal is passed through a coil of wire attached to a cone. The coil is in a magnetic field, so it experiences a force due to the motor effect. As the current changes direction, the force changes direction, causing the coil and the cone to vibrate. These vibrations push and pull on the air, creating sound waves.
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Common mistakes
- 1Confusing which device uses which effect. Loudspeaker = Motor Effect (electrical to sound). Microphone = Generator Effect (sound to electrical).
- 2Not being able to explain how the vibrations are created or detected. It is all about the interaction between the coil, the magnet, and the cone/diaphragm.
- 3Thinking that the current in a loudspeaker is constant. It must be a varying alternating current that matches the frequency of the desired sound.
Loudspeakers & Microphones exam questions
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Step-by-step method
Step-by-step explanation
4 steps · Worked method for Loudspeakers & Microphones
Core concept
Loudspeakers and microphones are devices that convert between sound waves and electrical signals. A loudspeaker uses the motor effect to turn an electrical signal into sound. A varying current in a co…
Frequently asked questions
How does a microphone work?
In a dynamic microphone, sound waves cause a diaphragm to vibrate. A coil attached to the diaphragm also vibrates within a magnetic field. This movement of the coil in the field induces an electrical current that mirrors the original sound wave.
What is the difference between a loudspeaker and a microphone?
A loudspeaker converts electrical energy into sound energy. A microphone converts sound energy into electrical energy. They are essentially the reverse of each other.