The electric doorbell, which we’ve all seen in our daily lives, is said to be a simple circuit that makes a sound when a circuit is completed by pressing a button. The doorbell is said to be a marvel because of its simplicity. Simple household devices, such as the doorbell, put the scientific principle of electromagnetism to good use.
Electric bell
An electric bell is an electromechanical device that works with the help of an electromagnet. When an electric current is applied to a traditional bell, the to and fro movement of a small hammer on a gong produces the sound of a bell. As a result, an electric bell is a device that is used to signal the presence of a guest or visitor.
When the electric bells are rung these days, they can even play songs or tunes. These mechanical-electric bells have been widely used in schools, burglar alarms, railway crossings, telephones, and industries since the 19th century. The electric bell, a first-of-its-kind invention, is widely used as an electronic sounder around the world. An electric bell is made up of an electromagnet attached to a strip of iron that causes the hammer to strike the gong, causing it to ring.
Working principle of electric bell
The principle of electromagnetism, or the magnetic effect of current, governs the operation of an electric bell. Magnetic fields are associated with moving electric charges, according to the electromagnetism phenomenon. A magnetic field is created whenever an electric current flows through a conductor. The right-hand-thumb rule can be used to determine the direction of this magnetic field. This principle is used to make electromagnets. Electromagnets can be found in a variety of electronic devices, including televisions, radios, speakers, and even an electric bell.
Electromagnets
An electromagnet is a man-made magnet that generates a magnetic field when current flows through it. A wire wound in a coil makes up an electromagnet. When an electric current flows through a wire, it creates a magnetic field around it, making the wire act like an electromagnet. The magnetic field created by an electromagnet lasts as long as current flows through it. Increase the number of turns in the coil, increase the current through the coil, and wind the coil around a magnetic material like soft iron to strengthen the magnetic field of an electromagnet. As long as there is electric power across its ends, an electromagnet behaves similarly to a regular magnet. The magnetic field around the electromagnet vanishes when the electric power is turned off.
Construction of electric bell
- A U-shaped electromagnet is placed in front of a soft iron strip or armature, which is supported by a spring.
- The spring is then connected to a screw that can be adjusted.
- The iron strip is then connected to an iron hammer that can move back and forth in response to the movement of the iron strip.
- A flexible steel strip is attached to the back of the armature. This armature is in contact with the screw in its normal position.
- Finally, a metallic gong is placed near the hammer so that it can be struck by the hammer when needed.
- One end of the electromagnet’s coil is connected to Terminal T2, and the other end is connected to the spring.
- Through the adjustable screw, the spring is connected to the T1 terminal.
- The two terminals are connected to a battery.
Working of electric bell
- The current flows through the electromagnet into the contact points when the switch is pressed into the ON position.
- The U-shaped electromagnet becomes magnetised as current passes through it, attracting the armature towards it.
- The hammer attached to the iron strip now strikes the gong, causing a ringing sound that wakes everyone up.
- The attached screw and spring contact are broken as the hammer moves, and the circuit is now open.
- As a result, the current in the circuit ceases to flow, and the electromagnet becomes demagnetized.
- Because of the spring’s action, the armature’s position is restored. If the current is still flowing through the circuit, it makes contact with the screw once more.
- As a result, the procedure is repeated from the beginning, and the bell continues to ring.
Uses of electric bell
- An electric bell is most commonly used in our homes, buildings, or offices.
- If a thief tries to break in, electric bells are also installed as part of a burglar alarm system to alert us.
- They are used in industries as part of fire alarm systems to sound a warning in the event of a fire.
Conclusion
An electric bell is an electromechanical device that works with the help of an electromagnet. The principle of electromagnetism, or the magnetic effect of current, governs the operation of an electric bell. Magnetic fields are associated with moving electric charges, according to the electromagnetism phenomenon.