An electric bell is a mechanical or electronic bell that functions by means of an electromagnet. When an electric current is applied, it produces a repetitive buzzing, clanging or ringing sound.

Electric Bell - Chapter Notes: Electric Current and its Effects

An electric bell is a device that uses an electric current to produce sound. It is a common example of how electric current can be used to create a mechanical effect. The bell consists of several components that work together to produce the ringing sound when the circuit is closed.

Components of an Electric Bell:

1. Electromagnet: The main component of an electric bell is an electromagnet. It is made by winding a coil of wire around an iron core. When an electric current passes through the coil, it creates a magnetic field that attracts the iron armature.

2. Iron Armature: The iron armature is a piece of iron that is attracted to the electromagnet when the current flows through it. It is connected to a clapper or a hammer that strikes the bell to produce sound.

3. Spring: A spring is attached to the armature. When the current is not flowing, the spring pulls the armature away from the electromagnet, breaking the circuit.

4. Contact Points: The contact points are two metal strips or contacts that are positioned close to each other. When the armature is pulled towards the electromagnet, it comes in contact with the contact points, closing the circuit and allowing the current to flow.

5. Bell: The bell is a hollow metallic object that produces a ringing sound when struck by the clapper or hammer attached to the armature.

Working of an Electric Bell:

1. When the switch is turned on, the current flows through the coil of the electromagnet, creating a magnetic field.

2. The magnetic field attracts the iron armature towards the electromagnet against the force of the spring.

3. As the armature moves closer, it comes in contact with the contact points, closing the circuit.

4. When the circuit is closed, the current flows through the electromagnet and the armature, creating a stronger magnetic field.

5. The stronger magnetic field attracts the armature even more, pulling it towards the electromagnet.

6. As the armature moves away from the contact points, the circuit is broken, and the current stops flowing.

7. When the current stops, the magnetic field weakens, and the spring pulls the armature back, closing the circuit again.

8. This cycle repeats rapidly, causing the armature to move back and forth, striking the clapper or hammer against the bell and producing the ringing sound.

Conclusion:

Electric bells are an excellent example of how electric current can be used to create mechanical effects. They demonstrate the principles of electromagnetism and provide a practical application of electric circuits and their components.

An electric Bell is a mechanical Bell that functions by means of an electromagnet. When an electric current is applied, it produces a repetitive buzzing or clanging sound.