Which transducer converts sound energy into an electrical signal?

Which transducer converts sound energy into an electrical signal?

• A. Microphone
• B. Transformer
• C. Earphones & Speakers
• D. Lighting lamp

Answer: (A)

Sound energy is mechanical energy carried by air, and a microphone is designed to turn those vibrations into an electrical signal. Inside, the diaphragm responds to sound waves and its movement is converted into a varying electrical voltage. In a dynamic microphone, the diaphragm moves a coil in a magnetic field to generate that signal; in a condenser microphone, changes in the capacitor as the diaphragm moves create the electrical output. The other devices don’t perform this conversion from sound to electricity: speakers and earphones take electrical energy and produce sound; a transformer handles voltage or current changes in electrical circuits; and a lamp changes electrical energy into light (and some heat).

Sound energy is mechanical energy carried by air, and a microphone is designed to turn those vibrations into an electrical signal. Inside, the diaphragm responds to sound waves and its movement is converted into a varying electrical voltage. In a dynamic microphone, the diaphragm moves a coil in a magnetic field to generate that signal; in a condenser microphone, changes in the capacitor as the diaphragm moves create the electrical output. The other devices don’t perform this conversion from sound to electricity: speakers and earphones take electrical energy and produce sound; a transformer handles voltage or current changes in electrical circuits; and a lamp changes electrical energy into light (and some heat).