Physics Topic Practice

Loudspeakers and Microphones | GCSE Physics Practice

Loudspeakers and microphones use electromagnetism to convert between electrical signals and sound waves.

Does a loudspeaker use the motor effect or the generator effect?

What is Loudspeakers and Microphones | Practice?

"Devices that convert between electrical signals and sound waves using electromagnetism."

Question 1

Magnetic field lines always point from ____.

Question 2

Why are step-up transformers used in the National Grid?

Question 3

Increasing the current through a solenoid will ____ its magnetic field.

Question 4

What happens to an electromagnet when the current is turned off?

Sound Transducers

Loudspeaker: Motor Effect. AC current in a coil in a magnetic field causes a cone to vibrate.

Microphone: Generator Effect. Sound waves cause a diaphragm/coil to move in a magnetic field, inducing a current.

Both rely on the interaction between permanent magnets and electromagnets.

Changing the frequency of the AC changes the pitch of the sound.

Exam Tip

Direct Link: A loudspeaker is essentially a microphone running in reverse!

Want to improve faster?

The fastest way to improve your grade is to practise exam-style questions, identify your gaps, and focus only on what you don't know.

Start practising this topic
Instantly marked • No sign-up