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.

figure 1

Objective:

• The students should be able to
  1. Explain how a speaker works
  2. Build a working speaker using a Stryofoam cup, wire, and a magnet.

• 1 permanent magnet
• 1 coil of wire
• 1 pie pan
• an amplified signal source

1. Build and test your demonstration pie pan speaker
2. This demonstration should be followed by the Making a Speaker Laboratory.

1. The lab report will be submitted.
2. The material will be included in quizzes and tests.

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