A simple buzzer is an electromechanical device that generates sound when an electrical current is passed through it. It consists of a few basic components: a coil of wire, a diaphragm or a vibrating element, and a contact or switch.
Here's how a simple buzzer works in an electrical circuit:
Coil of Wire (Electromagnet): The core component of a buzzer is a coil of wire, often referred to as an electromagnet. This coil is typically made of copper wire wound around a bobbin or a cylindrical form. When an electric current flows through this coil, it generates a magnetic field around it.
Diaphragm or Vibrating Element: Attached to the electromagnet is a diaphragm or a vibrating element, which is usually a thin, flexible piece of material such as metal or plastic. This diaphragm is placed close to the coil, and when the coil generates a magnetic field due to the flowing current, it attracts the diaphragm towards it. This movement creates a mechanical vibration in the diaphragm.
Contact or Switch: A contact or switch is also part of the buzzer. It is positioned in such a way that when the diaphragm is attracted towards the coil (due to the magnetic field generated by the flowing current), the contact is closed. When the contact is closed, it completes an electrical circuit and allows current to flow through the coil. This maintains the magnetic field, which keeps the diaphragm attracted.
Repetition of Vibration: As long as the electrical current continues to flow through the coil, the diaphragm will keep getting attracted and released in a rhythmic manner, creating a vibration. This vibration generates sound waves in the surrounding air, producing the characteristic buzzing sound associated with buzzers.
Sound Frequency: The frequency of the sound generated by the buzzer depends on factors such as the design of the diaphragm, the coil, and the driving frequency of the electrical current passing through the coil. By changing these design elements, you can create buzzers that produce different pitches and tones.
In summary, a simple buzzer operates by using an electromagnet to attract and release a diaphragm in response to an electrical current, which in turn generates sound through mechanical vibration. The repeating vibration of the diaphragm creates the buzzing sound that we hear.