Week 33 Reflection

This week in physics we continued to experiment more with the magnetic sphere and we were able to experience how the energy flowed through us when the class all linked together. We then moved on and focused mostly on creating the styrofoam speakers in class and completing our presentations for the upcoming demonstration in class next week of our project. This was our main activity for the week. 

Before starting our styrofoam plate speaker, we had to do some research to learn how actual speakers work and figure out the physics behind them. I learned that in order to translate an electrical signal into an article sound, speakers have to contain both a permanent and electromagnetic magnet. The electromagnet is a metal coil that creates a magnetic field when an electric current flows through it. This is why we had to coil the red wire around the paper for our styrofoam speaker. 

The permanent magnet is fixed in position, but the electromagnet is mobile. When pulses of electricity pass through the coil, the direction of its magnetic field is rapidly changed. This causes it to attract and repel from the permanent magnet, resulting in a back and forth vibration. The electromagnetic coil is connected to a material such as plastic (styrofoam for us), which amplifies these vibrations. The amplification pumps sound waves into the surrounding air and towards your hears, allowing you to hear the sound. 

Our styrofoam plate speaker has all the same parts that act the same way, but they are made of different materials. I'll let you know how it goes next week! :)