How

does a
comput
er
speaker
 work?

Sound
 Sound is produced by
vibrating air, caused by
increasing and decreasing air
pressure.
 When an object vibrates, it
“flexes” in and out very
rapidly.

 When the object flexes out, it

pushes air particles closer
together, which increases the
air pressure.

 When the bell flexes back in,

it pulls air particles toward it,
causing the air pressure to
drop. This drop in pressure is
called rarefaction.
 Parts of the
Speaker

 Diaphragm (cone) – produces

sound by vibrating rapidly

 Voice coil – electromagnet that

moves up and down, making the
cone vibrate
 Magnet – permanent magnet that
forces the voice coil to vibrate

 Basket – holds the speaker

together

Make Your
Own Speaker!
Materials you will need:
Cone (can be paper, plastic,
or metal)
Coil of wire (serves as
electromagnet)
Tape

How to make the speaker:

 1. Choose the type of cone you
wish to use.
2. Choose the coil of wire you
wish to use.
3. Tape the coil of wire to the
center of the bottom of the
cone. Make sure that the coil is
secure and won’t move around.
4. Tell the OMSI volunteer that
you are ready to test your
speaker. The volunteer will give
you a pair of wires to attach to
your speaker, and will provide a
neodymium magnet to complete
the speaker.