How does flow of current result in sound?

In summary, the flow of electrons in a bulb causes resistance, which heats up the bulb and ionizes the gases inside, resulting in the emission of light. However, the flow of electrons does not directly cause sound. Any sound generated is due to mechanical vibrations, such as the vibrating filament in an incandescent lamp or the ballast in a fluorescent lamp.
  • #1
Logical Dog
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I understand in a bulb when electrons flow they cause resistance and this heats up the bulb and the gases inside are ionised and they in turn emit light because their atoms become charged. How does flow of electrons cause sound? I know its an advanced explanation but what is the flow actually doing that causes sound?
 
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  • #2
Bipolar Demon said:
I understand in a bulb when electrons flow they cause resistance and this heats up the bulb and the gases inside are ionised and they in turn emit light because their atoms become charged.
None of that is really right. You seem to be mixing concepts for different kinds of lights (incandescent, fluorescent, etc.).
Bipolar Demon said:
How does flow of electrons cause sound? I know its an advanced explanation but what is the flow actually doing that causes sound?
You mean how does a loudspeaker work? What reading have you been doing on it so far? I'm sure wikipedia has a good page on how loudspeakers work...
 
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  • #3
In an incandescent (filament) lamp it is the filament vibrating. In a fluorescent lamp it is the ballast vibrating.
 
  • #4
Tom.G said:
In an incandescent (filament) lamp it is the filament vibrating. In a fluorescent lamp it is the ballast vibrating.

say what ??
 
  • #5
Tom.G said:
In an incandescent (filament) lamp it is the filament vibrating. In a fluorescent lamp it is the ballast vibrating.

davenn said:
say what ??

Fair enough. It IS rather unclear.

(2nd try)
The electrons don't have a direct effect of creating sound. Any sound generated is due to mechanical vibrations.
In an incandescent (filament) lamp it is the filament vibrating, usually due to an intermittent connection causing current variations and hence a varying magnetic field around the coiled filament. The changing magnetic field causes the coiled filament to contract and relax. Note that this intermittent contact may be in the filament itself as it is burning out.

In a fluorescent lamp I have only noticed the ballast vibrating, or the starter switching at startup.
 
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  • #6
Tom.G said:
(2nd try)
The electrons don't have a direct effect of creating sound. Any sound generated is due to mechanical vibrations.
In an incandescent (filament) lamp it is the filament vibrating, usually due to an intermittent connection causing current variations and hence a varying magnetic field around the coiled filament. The changing magnetic field causes the coiled filament to contract and relax. Note that this intermittent contact may be in the filament itself as it is burning out.

all still very strange :wink: once a filament in a lamp goes open circuit, that's pretty much it for the lamp as far as any operation goes

lets just wait till the OP returns and
1) see his response to Berkeman's post #2
2) find out for sure what sound he is referring to as the OP was extremely unclear as to what was being referred toDave
 
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  • #7
Filaments do emit a ringing sound especially when run on a TRIAC or SCR type dimmer. In this case it has nothing to do with an intermittent connection.
 
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  • #8
Yes, I must read and stop making stupid threads.. his post cleared it up..it is mechanical vibrations.
 

Related to How does flow of current result in sound?

1. How does electricity create sound?

Electricity creates sound through a process called electromagnetism. When an electric current flows through a wire, it creates a magnetic field around the wire. This magnetic field interacts with the magnetic field of a speaker, causing the speaker's membrane to vibrate and produce sound waves.

2. What materials are required for sound to be produced by an electric current?

To produce sound through an electric current, you need a source of electricity, such as a battery or power outlet, and a conductive material, such as a wire or circuit. You also need a device that can convert electrical energy into sound, such as a speaker or buzzer.

3. How does the flow of current affect the volume and pitch of sound?

The flow of current can affect the volume and pitch of sound by altering the strength and frequency of the electrical signal. Increasing the current can make the sound louder, while changing the frequency of the current can change the pitch of the sound produced.

4. Can sound be produced without electricity?

Yes, sound can be produced without electricity. Some examples include using your vocal cords to produce sound, hitting two objects together, or using wind to create vibrations in an instrument. However, in order to amplify and control sound, electricity is often used.

5. How does the flow of current create different types of sounds?

The flow of current can create different types of sounds through variations in the electrical signal. For example, changing the amplitude of the current can create different volumes of sound, while changing the frequency can create different pitches. Additionally, using different types of circuits or devices can produce different types of sounds, such as a continuous tone or a series of beeps.

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