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Working of an Electric Bell - A Complete Guide

Working of an Electric Bell - A Complete Guide

Edited By Vishal kumar | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 05:01 PM IST

Have you ever approached the door of a house, seen no one outside, and noticed a small button—the bell switch—waiting to be pressed? With a simple touch, you hear a distant ring, and moments later, someone comes to greet you. It’s a familiar, almost automatic interaction that we often take for granted. Yet, behind that button press is the clever mechanism of an electric bell, silently working to bridge the gap between you and the person inside.

This Story also Contains
  1. What is an Electric Bell?
  2. Electric (door) Bell diagram
  3. How to Draw Electric Bell (easy diagram)
  4. Principal on Which Electric Bell Works
  5. Working of Electric bell
Working of an Electric Bell - A Complete Guide
Working of an Electric Bell - A Complete Guide

This simple act—pressing a button and hearing a bell ring—demonstrates the power of electromagnetism in action, transforming an invisible electrical pulse into a sound that prompts a response. Whether it’s at the front door, in schools signalling class changes, or as part of security alarms, the electric bell is a perfect example of how technology makes daily life more efficient and connected.

In this article, we will study a very important concept of class 7 in physics, the electric bell and the electric bell diagram. So, the topics that we are going to cover in this article are what is an electric bell, the electric (door) bell diagram, and the principles on which an electric bell works, we will explain the working of an electric bell that is how does an electric bell works, electric bell diagram, how to make an electric bell, circuit of an electric bell and what is electromagnet and how electromagnet is used in electric bell.

Let’s start with our topics one by one to help you understand the concept easily.

What is an Electric Bell?

Bell – bells are instruments that generate vibrations or sound when triggered. There are many types of bells like a temple bells, school bells alarm clock bells and doorbells etc.

In class 7 we are understanding how an electric bell works mainly.

Definition of Electric Bell- An electric doorbell is a bell that is used usually in our homes, and after pressing the switch, the circuit working on the principle of electromagnet is completed hence leading to the triggering of the sound.

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Electric (door) Bell diagram

Electric bell is a circuit of various parts like a gong, electromagnet, hammer, adjusting screw, armature, metallic strip, switch and a battery for bell.

As we can see in this diagram of electric bell one end of the electromagnet is connected to the terminal t1 that is switch of the circuit and another is connected to second terminal t2 that is battery of bell. When the hammer at the top touches the adjusting screw, the steel rod functions as a spring hence, the hammer contacts the other terminal of the battery and that’s hoe this circuit performs its individual function.

Now, let’s see how to draw a labelled diagram of working of electric bell.

diagram of electric bell

How to Draw Electric Bell (easy diagram)

This is the image of the easy bell diagram.

construction and working of an electric bell

Related Topics,

Principal on Which Electric Bell Works

Electric bell works mainly on the principle of an electromagnet which is the magnetic effects of current.

So, before knowing the principle we all should be aware of the term electromagnet because the electric bell has electromagnet as its main component.

What is Electromagnet?

An electromagnet is a type of magnet, used in an electric bells, in which wire is wounded around the soft metal core and by passing the current through it, that metal core acts like a magnet. Hence, in this magnetic field is being generated by flowing electric current through the surface of metal core.

Generally, an iron rod is used as a metal core for the purpose of making an electromagnet.

The core of the electromagnet is usually made up of soft iron rods because of two reasons mainly, first is that it increases the intensity of the magnetic field of electromagnet and the second reason is that it easily gets demagnetized, when no current flows in the turns of the coil of insulated copper wire wound over the core, hence, leading in the flowless working of an electric bell. This is the reason why the electric bell has an electromagnet.

Also Read: NCERT solutions for Class 7 Physics Chapter 14 Electric Current and its effect

Working of Electric bell

The electric bell contains an electromagnet which is being insulated with wire coils wound around iron rods. Through the coils when the electric current flows the magnetic field is hence created by the electromagnet which pulls the armature towards it which leads to the striking of bell. So, due to the flow of the electric current through the coils the iron rods of electromagnets become magnetic in nature. The piece of an iron which is connected to the clapper attracts the iron rod to itself. And when that clapper triggers the bell the bell rings or make sound.

Diagram, schematic of electric bell

Till now, we have seen the construction and working of electric bell for class 7 of the electric bell.

At last, we have covered all the topics what is an electric bell, electric (door) bell diagram, principal on which electric bell works, we will explain working of an electric bell that is how does an electric bell works, electric bell diagram, how to make an electric bell, circuit of an electric bell and what is electromagnet and how electromagnet is used in electric bell.

Also check-

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who invented electric bell?

The electric bell was invented by Joseph Henry, an American scientist, in the 1830s

2. What are the advantages of electric bell?
  • Scientific equipment used in preserving cultures.
  • Replacement of classical bells.
  • Variety of uses with numerous needy and important features.
  • Live broadcasting via microphones are done.
  • Less weight without any risk of structural failure.
3. What are the characterstics of electromagnets?

The important characterstics of an electromagnet are:

(I) an electromagnet is temporary in nature that is, it can be demagnetized when magnet is not in use.

 (ii) an electromagnet is made of a soft iron core rod because of it’s nature.

 (iii) the magnetic field strength can be changed by various methods like by increasing number of turns on solenoid or by increasing the current in the circuit. 

(iv) an electromagnet can be easily demagnetized in a very less interval of time by switching off the current.


4. Does electric bulb also has electromagnet in it’s structure?

No, bulb does not have electromagnet in it. It’s rays are electromagnetic radiations because of light’s nature.


5. Why electromagnet is used in construction of electric bell circuit?

The electromagnet attracts the hammer. Electric bell contains making and breaking of the switch, which the iron armature keeps the bell ringing. It breaks the circuit, so a current no longer flows and hence, making the electric bell ring again and again.


6. Which effect is used in making of electric bulb work?

In electric bulb, the filament of the bulb produces light because of the heating effect of electricity. The filament of bulb is usually made of tungsten metal; whose melting point equal to 3380°c so that it does not melt easily.


7. Working of electric bell for class 7 based on which concept?

The working of an electric bell for Class 7 students is based on the concept of electromagnetism.

8. what is electric bell for class 7?

An electric bell is a mechanical device that uses electrical energy to produce sound. It works on the principle of electromagnetism. When electricity flows through an electromagnet, it creates a magnetic field, which moves a striker or hammer to hit a bell and produce a ringing sound.

9. What materials are commonly used to make the gong in an electric bell?
Common materials for electric bell gongs include:
10. What are the main differences between a single-stroke and a vibrating electric bell?
The main differences between single-stroke and vibrating electric bells are:
11. What is the purpose of the iron core in the electromagnet of an electric bell?
The iron core in the electromagnet of an electric bell serves several important purposes:
12. What is the purpose of the adjustment screw in an electric bell?
The adjustment screw in an electric bell allows for fine-tuning of the bell's operation. It typically adjusts the distance between the armature and the electromagnet or the tension of the spring. This adjustment can affect the strength of the strike, the frequency of the ring, and the overall efficiency of the bell's operation.
13. How does the spring in an electric bell contribute to its operation?
The spring in an electric bell plays a crucial role in maintaining the oscillation of the armature. After the electromagnet attracts the armature and the hammer strikes the gong, the spring provides the restoring force to pull the armature back to its original position. This action reconnects the circuit, allowing the cycle to repeat and maintain the continuous ringing.
14. Can an electric bell work with alternating current (AC)?
Yes, an electric bell can work with alternating current (AC). In fact, most household electric bells are designed to work with AC power. The rapid alternation of the current (typically 50 or 60 times per second) is fast enough that the bell's mechanism responds to the overall effect rather than individual cycles, producing a continuous ring.
15. How does the gong in an electric bell affect the sound produced?
The gong in an electric bell is the resonating surface that produces the actual sound we hear. When struck by the hammer, the gong vibrates, creating sound waves. The size, shape, and material of the gong affect the tone, volume, and quality of the sound produced. A larger gong typically produces a lower pitch, while a smaller one produces a higher pitch.
16. How does the size of the electromagnet affect an electric bell's performance?
The size of the electromagnet in an electric bell affects its performance in several ways:
17. What role does the contact point play in an electric bell's operation?
The contact point in an electric bell is crucial for creating the intermittent current flow necessary for the bell's operation. When the armature is attracted to the electromagnet, it moves away from the contact point, breaking the circuit. This causes the electromagnet to deactivate, allowing the armature to spring back and reconnect the circuit at the contact point. This repeated making and breaking of the circuit at the contact point creates the bell's continuous ringing.
18. How does an electric bell convert electrical energy into sound?
An electric bell converts electrical energy into sound through a process of electromagnetic induction and mechanical vibration. When electricity flows through the electromagnet, it creates a magnetic field that attracts the iron armature. This causes the hammer to strike the gong, producing sound. When the circuit breaks, the armature springs back, repeating the cycle and creating a continuous ringing sound.
19. What is the role of the electromagnet in an electric bell?
The electromagnet is crucial in an electric bell as it creates the magnetic field necessary for the bell's operation. When current flows through the coil wrapped around the iron core, it becomes an electromagnet. This magnetic field attracts the iron armature, which is connected to the hammer, causing it to move and strike the gong.
20. Why does an electric bell use an electromagnet instead of a permanent magnet?
An electric bell uses an electromagnet instead of a permanent magnet because it allows for control over the magnetic field. The electromagnet can be turned on and off rapidly by controlling the electric current, which is essential for creating the repeated striking action of the hammer. A permanent magnet would not allow for this rapid switching.
21. How does the armature in an electric bell function?
The armature in an electric bell acts as a pivoting lever. It's typically made of iron and is attracted to the electromagnet when current flows. One end of the armature is connected to the hammer, while the other end has a contact point. When attracted to the electromagnet, it moves the hammer to strike the gong and simultaneously breaks the circuit at the contact point.
22. What causes the repeated ringing of an electric bell?
The repeated ringing of an electric bell is caused by the rapid making and breaking of the electric circuit. When the circuit is closed, the electromagnet attracts the armature, causing the hammer to strike. This action also breaks the circuit at the contact point. When the circuit breaks, the armature springs back, reconnecting the circuit, and the process repeats, creating a continuous ringing.
23. What factors affect the loudness of an electric bell?
Several factors influence the loudness of an electric bell:
24. What is the purpose of the spring tension adjustment in an electric bell?
The spring tension adjustment in an electric bell serves several important purposes:
25. What determines the frequency of an electric bell's ring?
The frequency of an electric bell's ring is determined by several factors:
26. How does the voltage supplied to an electric bell affect its operation?
The voltage supplied to an electric bell affects its operation in several ways:
27. How does the concept of electromagnetic induction apply to an electric bell?
Electromagnetic induction is central to an electric bell's operation:
28. How does the principle of resonance apply to an electric bell's gong?
Resonance plays a crucial role in an electric bell's sound production:
29. How does Lenz's Law apply to the operation of an electric bell?
Lenz's Law is relevant to an electric bell's operation in several ways:
30. What is the function of the hammer in an electric bell?
The hammer in an electric bell serves several crucial functions:
31. How does the concept of magnetic permeability relate to an electric bell's operation?
Magnetic permeability is crucial in an electric bell's operation:
32. What role does Ohm's Law play in the design and operation of an electric bell?
Ohm's Law is fundamental to the design and operation of an electric bell:
33. How does the concept of magnetic hysteresis affect an electric bell's performance?
Magnetic hysteresis in an electric bell has several effects:
34. What is the significance of the air gap between the electromagnet and the armature in an electric bell?
The air gap between the electromagnet and armature in an electric bell is crucial:
35. How does the principle of magnetic saturation apply to an electric bell's electromagnet?
Magnetic saturation is relevant to an electric bell's electromagnet in several ways:
36. How does the concept of mechanical resonance apply to an electric bell's operation?
Mechanical resonance is significant in an electric bell's operation:

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Working of an Electric Bell - A Complete Guide

02 Jul'25 05:01 PM

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