How does electricity create sound waves?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the mechanisms by which electricity generates sound waves, particularly in high-voltage environments. The sound produced by electric wires and capacitors is primarily due to the mechanical vibrations induced by variable charges on capacitor plates, which create stress in the surrounding material. Additionally, corona discharges from high-voltage equipment contribute to audible sounds through the formation of bubbles of hot air that expand and create a fizzing noise. Mechanical relays switching on and off also produce high-pitched sounds, exemplifying the diverse sources of electrical noise.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrical components, specifically capacitors and their operation.
  • Knowledge of mechanical vibrations and resonant frequencies.
  • Familiarity with corona discharge phenomena in high-voltage systems.
  • Basic principles of sound wave generation and propagation.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mechanics of capacitor operation and its impact on sound generation.
  • Explore the principles of corona discharge and its effects in electrical systems.
  • Study the relationship between mechanical vibrations and sound wave frequencies.
  • Investigate the functioning of mechanical relays and their acoustic emissions.
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, audio engineers, physicists, and anyone interested in the acoustic effects of electrical systems and components.

thechosenone
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you know the high pitched buzzing you can sometimes hear from electric wires, or from the capacitor on a camera charging (for the flash)? i was wondering what creates that noise. my best guess is that it is caused by the vibrations from the electrons bumping into each other, but it seems like that would be too small to create audible sound waves... so perhaps it has something to do with the resonant frequency of the material they are traveling through. any ideas?
 
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The sound essentially comes from the variable charges on the capacitors (they charge, discharge, charge... at a high rate, driven by an oscillator). The changing coulomb forces on the plates of the capacitor will induce variables stress in the material, and hence, mechanical vibrations.
 
check out this link :
http://www.suite101.com/content/why-do-power-lines-buzz-a18405
 
Last edited by a moderator:
You can also get sound from high voltage equipment due to the formation of corona discharges, particularly on sharp edges. The small sparks cause 'bubbles' of hot air around them which expands and this disturbance radiates as a fizzing sound.
 
High-pitched sounds can also be heard from mechanical relays rapidly switching on and off.
 

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