Electric Bell As Application Of Electromagnetics



Electric Bell

electric bell

The electric bell is a classic example of the practical application of electromagnetics, illustrating the fundamental principles of electromagnetism in a simple yet effective device. This device operates on a straightforward mechanism involving an electromagnet to produce a ringing sound, commonly used in schools, homes, and offices for signaling purposes. Here, we’ll delve into the operation, components, and underlying physics of the electric bell, aiming to provide a comprehensive and understandable explanation.

How the Electric Bell Works

  1. Initiation of the Circuit: The operation begins when the ‘push’ switch, a button or lever that initiates the bell’s ringing, is pressed. This action closes the electric circuit, allowing electric current to flow through it.
  2. Activation of the Electromagnet: As the current flows, it passes through windings around an electromagnet’s core, typically made of soft iron. This flow of electricity magnetizes the core, turning it into a powerful magnet with north and south poles.
  3. Attraction of the Armature: Close to the electromagnet, there is an iron armature, also made of soft iron, which is attracted to the electromagnet when the latter becomes magnetized. Attached to this armature is a striker, which is positioned to hit a gong or bell when the armature moves.
  4. The Make and Break Mechanism: The movement of the armature towards the electromagnet causes a ‘make and break’ switch, integrated within the circuit, to open. This switch is crucial as it momentarily interrupts the current flow to the electromagnet, causing it to lose its magnetism.
  5. Resetting the Mechanism: With the electromagnet demagnetized, the armature loses its attraction and springs back to its original position, thanks to a return spring or its natural elasticity. This movement closes the ‘make and break’ switch, restoring the current flow and starting the cycle anew. The rapid succession of these actions produces a continuous ringing sound as long as the push switch remains pressed.

Important Components Of Electric Bell and Notes

  • Electromagnet: A core of soft iron is used for the electromagnet and the armature. Soft iron is preferred because it can gain and lose magnetism quickly, which is essential for the rapid operation of the bell. This quick magnetization and demagnetization cycle is crucial for the bell’s functionality.
  • The Armature: Also made from soft iron, the armature is designed to be quickly attracted to and released from the electromagnet. This rapid movement is what strikes the bell or gong, creating the sound.
  • Direction of Current: The bell’s operation is indifferent to the direction of the current. Whether the current flows in one direction or the other, the bell rings as long as the push switch is closed. This is because the magnetization of the electromagnet does not depend on the current’s direction; any pole of the electromagnet can induce magnetism in the armature.
  • The ‘Make and Break’ Switch: This component is pivotal in the operation of the electric bell. It ensures that the electromagnet is only activated for a short period, allowing the armature to move back and forth rapidly, which is essential for the continuous ringing of the bell.

In summary, the electric bell exemplifies the use of electromagnetism in creating practical devices. Through the orchestrated actions of its components, powered by the principles of electromagnetism, the electric bell efficiently transforms electrical energy into mechanical motion and sound, demonstrating both the ingenuity and simplicity of electromagnetic applications.


Worked Examples

Example 1: Understanding the Circuit

Imagine an electric bell circuit is modified by adding a resistor in series with the electromagnet. If the resistance is increased, what effect does this have on the operation of the bell, particularly on the strength of the electromagnet and the frequency of the bell’s ringing?

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Adding a resistor in series with the electromagnet increases the total resistance of the circuit. According to Ohm’s law (V = IR), for a given voltage, increasing resistance reduces the current flowing through the circuit. Since the strength of an electromagnet is directly proportional to the current flowing through its windings, an increase in resistance results in a weaker electromagnet. Consequently, the armature might not be attracted as strongly or as quickly to the electromagnet, which could lead to a decrease in the frequency of the bell’s ringing. This means the bell might ring more slowly or not at all if the electromagnet is too weak to overcome the armature’s resting force.

Example 2: The Role of Material

If the soft iron core of the electromagnet and armature in an electric bell is replaced with a permanent magnet for the electromagnet and a non-magnetic material for the armature, how would this affect the bell’s functionality?

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Replacing the soft iron core of the electromagnet with a permanent magnet would mean the electromagnet’s magnetism is constant and not dependent on the flow of electricity. Consequently, the ‘make and break’ mechanism would not demagnetize the core, as it would remain magnetized regardless of the circuit’s state. Additionally, replacing the armature with a non-magnetic material would mean it would not be attracted to the magnet in the first place. These changes would render the electric bell non-functional, as the fundamental operation relies on the electromagnet’s ability to be magnetized and demagnetized and the armature’s ability to be attracted and released rapidly.

Example 3: Reverse Engineering

A student is given a disassembled electric bell with no instructions. The parts include a push switch, an electromagnet with windings, a ‘make and break’ switch, an armature with a striker, a gong, and connecting wires. How should the student assemble these components to build a working electric bell?

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  1. Mount the Electromagnet: Secure the electromagnet in a position where it can interact with the armature.
  2. Attach the Armature: Position the armature so that it is close to the electromagnet but not touching it. Ensure the striker is aligned to hit the gong when the armature moves.
  3. Install the ‘Make and Break’ Switch: This switch should be placed in such a way that it is normally closed, allowing current to flow through the electromagnet. It must be mechanically linked to the armature so that when the armature moves towards the electromagnet, the switch opens and interrupts the circuit.
  4. Connect the Push Switch: The push switch should be connected in series with the battery or power source, the electromagnet, and the ‘make and break’ switch to control the flow of current in the circuit.
  5. Wire the Circuit: Connect wires from the power source to the push switch, from the push switch to the ‘make and break’ switch, from the ‘make and break’ switch to the electromagnet, and finally back to the power source to complete the circuit.

When the push switch is pressed, the circuit will close, allowing current to flow and magnetize the electromagnet. This attracts the armature, causing the striker to hit the gong. The movement of the armature opens the ‘make and break’ switch, interrupting the current and starting the cycle over again.


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