How Are Electromagnets Used in a Buzzer?

A buzzer uses the science of electrical fields and magnetism to create a mechanical sound. That sound is activated by an electrical current flowing within the electromagnets that reside inside the buzzer.

Function

By placing an electrical current through a piece of wire, it naturally produces a magnetic field around that wire. If that wire is then wrapped around a metal rod, an electromagnet has been created.

Features

A buzzer utilizes this magnetic field of the electromagnet to make a sound. When current is put through the electromagnet of a buzzer, it forces the buzzer mechanism, or striker, to strike an internal bell. Once the current is shut down, the striker mechanism is released back away from the bell.

Interesting Fact

To create a stronger electromagnet, more current can be applied or the wire wrapping can be tightened or elongated to provide more coils around the internal steel rod. An example of a very strong electromagnet would be on a crane where scrap is picked up by the current-driven electromagnet and dropped when current is shut down.

References

• Vancouver Public Schools: Magnetism