Question

Explain the basics of how light in the form of radio waves (electromagnetic radiation) can be turned into the sound waves that come out of your speakers in your car. Please in your own words.

Thank you very much in advance.

Answer 1

The radio waves are received by the antenna in your car. The radio waves can flow through the antenna and can create electrical signals. The received electric signals are nothing but voltage variations. After amplification, these are fed into a loudspeaker. Inside the loudspeaker, the incoming electrical signals (electrical current) are allowed to flow through an iron coil. Whenever a current flows through a coil, it can act as a magnet. There is a real electromagnet placed near to the coil so that whenever current flows through the coil, the electromagnet attracts or repels the coil. These pushing and pulling of the coil is harnessed by a diaphragm (lightweight metal or plastic) to vibrate and hence sound is produced.