How do microphones work?

Answer 1

A microphone is a device that converts sound as acoustical pressure waves into electrical

voltage waves. All microphones have a diaphragm, membrane, or other mechanical elements in them that vibrates sympathetically in response to the arriving acoustic wave fronts. This mechanical element acts on the electrical element to generate audio voltage.

The sensitivity of a microphone is shown in voltage per sound pressure (mV / Pa) that show the proportionality of the audio waves to the pressure waves.

To amplify sounds (make louder), the vibrations of the connected speaker's surface must increase in amplitude.

Answer 2

A condenser is a capacitor and it consist of two plates separated by some insulating material or air the closer the plates to each other the higher the capacitance, a condenser mic is only a capacitor with the one plate mounted so that it can vibrate when you speak into it, as the plate is vibrating it moves closer an further away from the other plate and continually changing the capacitance, this is used in most small FM transmitters to vary the RF frequency because it form part of the tuned LC circuit

Answer 3

There are several different types of microphone, each operating on different principles. A few are:

• carbon button: variable resistance with pressure
• magnetic: magnetic induction
• electret: electrostatic induction
• capacitive: variable capacitance with pressure
• etc.

Answer 4

They transmit in VHF or UHF radio frequency.

Answer 5

The mechanics of a microphones are quite simple. Speak into the microphone and those waves are carried through a system to speakers where it is amplified.

Answer 6

Electricity

Answer 7

Lenz's law.