Demonstration: Making a Pie Pan Speaker

©1995 The Regents of the University of California

by Regan Lum


Course: Physics or Physical Science

Grade Level: 9-12

Topic: Communication

Concepts:

A speaker is a device that converts electronic signals into sound. The speaker you will build (see figure 1) consists of a pie pan, a coil, a permanent magnet, and a signal source. The electronic signal goes through the coil and creates a varying electromagnet. The attraction and repulsion between the varying electromagnet and the permanent magnetic causes the pie pan to vibrate and produce sound.

Image of pie pan speaker figure 1

Objective:

Materials: Preparation:
  1. Build and test your demonstration pie pan speaker
  2. This demonstration should be followed by the Making a Speaker Laboratory.
Assessment:
  1. The lab report will be submitted.
  2. The material will be included in quizzes and tests.


For more information, email your comments to outreach@cea.berkeley.edu or contact Regan Lum

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