An electric bell uses electro-magnetism to move a sprng loaded bell striker.

A Direct Current bell uses a slightly different approach as the magnetic field does not alternate. In a DC bell, an electro magnet pulls the striker closer (causing the bell to be hit), and a small switch on the striker opens shutting off the current to the electomagnet. A spring returns the striker to its resting place, and the switch is reclosed, allowing the electromagnet to pull the striker toward it (and the bell), starting the cycle over again.