What causes the audible hum from some electronics and wires? How is the actual sound being generated?
In: Physics
Experienced power systems engineer here– these answers crack me up. Without more specifics, what you’re likely referring to is the low pitched hum of transformers. The voltage on the power system alternates at 50 or 60 Hz depending on the region. What this translates to is magnetic flux causing the core of the transformer to expand and contract at double the power system frequency, so 100 or 120 Hz.
There are also other types of hums you may be referring to, including grounding issues with speakers or the high pitched squeal of certain types of power supplies, and I can address those if you have more specifics.
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