A simple buzzer is an electromechanical device that generates sound when an electric current passes through it. It consists of a coil of wire, an iron diaphragm or armature, and a housing or casing. When the buzzer is activated, an alternating current (AC) or a pulsating direct current (DC) flows through the coil, creating a magnetic field.
Here's a step-by-step explanation of how a simple buzzer works in an electrical circuit:
Coil of wire: The buzzer contains a coil of wire wound around a core, typically made of iron or another magnetic material. This coil is the primary component responsible for generating the magnetic field.
Magnetic field: When an electric current flows through the coil, it creates a magnetic field around it, thanks to the electromagnetic effect. The direction of the magnetic field changes with the direction of the current flow (in the case of an AC buzzer) or with the pulsating current (in the case of a DC buzzer).
Iron diaphragm or armature: The iron diaphragm or armature is a thin, flexible piece of metal positioned close to the coil but not directly connected to it. It serves as a movable element in the buzzer.
Attraction and repulsion: As the magnetic field alternates or pulsates, it induces magnetic forces on the iron diaphragm or armature. When the current flows in one direction, the magnetic field attracts the iron diaphragm toward the coil, and when the current reverses, it repels the diaphragm back.
Vibrations: The alternating attraction and repulsion of the diaphragm cause it to move rapidly back and forth. This movement creates vibrations in the surrounding air, which we perceive as sound.
Sound output: The vibrations produced by the diaphragm result in audible sound waves. The frequency of the sound depends on the frequency of the alternating current or pulsating direct current.
Housing or casing: The coil, diaphragm, and other components of the buzzer are enclosed within a housing or casing that helps direct and amplify the sound produced.
It's important to note that the simplicity of a buzzer makes it suitable for basic sound-producing applications, such as alarms, doorbells, and other simple notification systems. For more sophisticated sound generation or control, other devices like speakers and transducers are used.