AQA GCSE Loudspeaker (Physics)

Loudspeaker

A loudspeaker is more commonly known as a speaker and they are found in various devices, including headphones. 

Loudspeakers and headphones  convert variations in current in an electrical circuit to pressure variations in sound waves.

A loudspeaker will use the motor effect to produce a sound wave. 

Loudspeaker using the motor effect with magnet, coil and cone

How a loudspeaker works

1. An alternating current passes through the coil of wire. 

2. This will set up a changing magnetic field around the coil which will interact with the permanent magnetic field of the magnet.

3.Due to the motor effect, the coil will experience a changing force. The force will change in direction constantly, due to the alternating current. 

4. As the coil moves backwards and forwards, it is attached to the cone, so the cone vibrates backwards and forwards creating sound waves 

Practice Question

1. Explain how a loudspeaker uses the motor effect.

2. Explain how a loudspeaker works

3. If the frequency of current is increased, how would this affect the sound produced.

Accordion Content

Accordion Content