How does flow of current result in sound?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the mechanisms by which the flow of electric current can produce sound, particularly in the context of different types of light bulbs, such as incandescent and fluorescent lamps. Participants explore the relationship between electrical flow, mechanical vibrations, and sound generation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that in incandescent lamps, the sound is generated by the vibrating filament, which may occur due to intermittent connections causing current variations and a changing magnetic field.
  • Others argue that in fluorescent lamps, the sound is produced by the vibrating ballast or the starter switching at startup.
  • A participant notes that the electrons themselves do not directly create sound; rather, sound is a result of mechanical vibrations.
  • One participant mentions that filaments can emit a ringing sound when operated on certain types of dimmers, suggesting a different mechanism than intermittent connections.
  • There is a request for clarification on what specific sound the original poster is referring to, indicating some ambiguity in the initial question.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the mechanisms of sound generation in light bulbs, with no consensus reached on the specifics of how current flow relates to sound production.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the complexity of the topic, with participants acknowledging unclear aspects of the original question and the need for further clarification on the type of sound being referenced.

Logical Dog
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I understand in a bulb when electrons flow they cause resistance and this heats up the bulb and the gases inside are ionised and they in turn emit light because their atoms become charged. How does flow of electrons cause sound? I know its an advanced explanation but what is the flow actually doing that causes sound?
 
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Bipolar Demon said:
I understand in a bulb when electrons flow they cause resistance and this heats up the bulb and the gases inside are ionised and they in turn emit light because their atoms become charged.
None of that is really right. You seem to be mixing concepts for different kinds of lights (incandescent, fluorescent, etc.).
Bipolar Demon said:
How does flow of electrons cause sound? I know its an advanced explanation but what is the flow actually doing that causes sound?
You mean how does a loudspeaker work? What reading have you been doing on it so far? I'm sure wikipedia has a good page on how loudspeakers work...
 
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In an incandescent (filament) lamp it is the filament vibrating. In a fluorescent lamp it is the ballast vibrating.
 
Tom.G said:
In an incandescent (filament) lamp it is the filament vibrating. In a fluorescent lamp it is the ballast vibrating.

say what ??
 
Tom.G said:
In an incandescent (filament) lamp it is the filament vibrating. In a fluorescent lamp it is the ballast vibrating.

davenn said:
say what ??

Fair enough. It IS rather unclear.

(2nd try)
The electrons don't have a direct effect of creating sound. Any sound generated is due to mechanical vibrations.
In an incandescent (filament) lamp it is the filament vibrating, usually due to an intermittent connection causing current variations and hence a varying magnetic field around the coiled filament. The changing magnetic field causes the coiled filament to contract and relax. Note that this intermittent contact may be in the filament itself as it is burning out.

In a fluorescent lamp I have only noticed the ballast vibrating, or the starter switching at startup.
 
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Tom.G said:
(2nd try)
The electrons don't have a direct effect of creating sound. Any sound generated is due to mechanical vibrations.
In an incandescent (filament) lamp it is the filament vibrating, usually due to an intermittent connection causing current variations and hence a varying magnetic field around the coiled filament. The changing magnetic field causes the coiled filament to contract and relax. Note that this intermittent contact may be in the filament itself as it is burning out.

all still very strange :wink: once a filament in a lamp goes open circuit, that's pretty much it for the lamp as far as any operation goes

lets just wait till the OP returns and
1) see his response to Berkeman's post #2
2) find out for sure what sound he is referring to as the OP was extremely unclear as to what was being referred toDave
 
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Filaments do emit a ringing sound especially when run on a TRIAC or SCR type dimmer. In this case it has nothing to do with an intermittent connection.
 
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Yes, I must read and stop making stupid threads.. his post cleared it up..it is mechanical vibrations.
 

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