Wireless energy transmission via sound waves

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of wireless energy transmission using sound waves, specifically exploring the potential of ultrasonic or infrasonic sound waves to vibrate a magnet and generate electrical current. The scope includes theoretical considerations and practical applications related to energy conversion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes the idea of using sound waves to vibrate a magnet, suggesting that this could lead to energy transfer and electrical generation.
  • Another participant identifies the concept as similar to how a microphone operates, noting that microphones are generally inefficient in this regard.
  • A later reply references a vibration-powered generator, indicating that there are existing technologies that utilize vibrations for energy generation, though details are not fully recalled.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the feasibility or efficiency of using sound waves for energy generation, and multiple perspectives on the topic are presented.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions about efficiency and the specific mechanisms of energy conversion. The references to existing technologies suggest a need for further exploration of practical applications.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in energy conversion technologies, sound wave applications, and innovative methods of wireless energy transmission may find this discussion relevant.

Nickj800
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Today in my high school physics class, we were shown that object 1 vibrating at object 2's natural frequency, can cause object 2 to vibrate. So since you are transferring energy, i was wondering if its possible to use ultrasonic or infrasonic sound waves to vibrate a magnet, causing a current to flow through a wire. Does anyone know if this has been done? Is there a way i can calculate how efficient it would be? Assuming the concept works.

p.s. The magnet idea is the first thing I thought of, but if you can think of any other ways to convert the energy into electrical energy, feel free to let me know :D.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Welcome to PF.

You are describing a microphone! They are extremely inefficient.
 
oh ok, never knew how a microphone worked.

thanks for the reply.
 
Nickj800 said:
oh ok, never knew how a microphone worked.

thanks for the reply.

I am subscribed to a few magazines, but I saw something like this.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vibration-powered_generator
I believe it was hooked up to a furnace as another way to get power from inconsistent flames but I don't remember all the details.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Signal Transmission Using Sound Waves
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Graduate Relaxation times of molecules during sound propagation
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Undergrad Amplitudes of longitudinal sound waves
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
Undergrad Summing and averaging RMS pressure (amplitude) of sound waves
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Graduate Sound wave intensity (dB) and sound processing
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad Focusing sound waves from the environment
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Undergrad What Generates Sound Waves and How Do They Travel Through Different Mediums?
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
4K
Undergrad Are there exceptions to the rule of speed and energy for waves?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
Undergrad How long would a tuning fork vibrate in vacuum?
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
4K
Graduate Exactly how do pressure waves work at the molecular level?
  • · Replies 49 ·
2
Replies
49
Views
5K