Speakers are devices that are already part of our daily lives, but few people know that there is a special type that uses the ferrofluid, a liquid with magnetic properties that reacts to sound in a unique way. This type of speaker not only emits music like any other, but also allows you to visualize the movement of the ferrofluid which, thanks to the action of an electromagnet, seems to dance to the rhythm of the music.
In this article, we'll unravel the most important aspects of how these curious speakers work. We'll also explore what ferrofluid is, its history, and how its interaction with music creates a fascinating visual experience.
How a ferrofluid speaker works
A ferrofluid speaker shares some basic components with more traditional speakers: an amplifier, a Bluetooth module (on wireless models), among others. However, what makes it special is that small container on the front that contains the ferrofluid, a type of liquid composed of very fine iron particles suspended in a liquid medium.
Inside that small container, the ferrofluid behaves in unusual ways thanks to a hidden electromagnet on its back. This electromagnet, controlled by an electronic board (such as an Arduino Nano), generates a magnetic field that adjusts to the frequencies of the music. Thus, when low or high pitched sounds are played, variations in electromagnetic power cause the ferrofluid to move in patterns and figures that appear to move to the rhythm of the music.
Personalization and control of movement
This type of speaker not only impresses with its visual spectacle, but some models also offer Additional controls to customize the experience. Using knobs or controls on the speaker design, the user can change audio frequency, leading to changes in the ferrofluid's behavior. For example, some frequencies cause the fluid to move in a stable manner, while others cause it to react more chaotically.
This level of customization allows the ferrofluid to behave differently for bass sounds o sharp sounds, giving greater versatility in terms of the auditory and visual experience.
What is ferrofluid and where does it come from?
Ferrofluid is not something we can find in nature. This magnetic fluid It was first synthesized in 1963, thanks to the work of scientist Stephen Papell, who intended to pumping fuel in gravitically unstable environments, like space. Although its original use was quite technical, over time other more creative applications have been found, such as in these speakers.
These types of liquids act in a peculiar way under the influence of magnetic fields, forming figures and movements that seem out of this world. But in addition to their aesthetic component, ferrofluids are also used in other areas, such as heat dissipation in certain electronic devices.
Considerations for ferrofluid
Although ferrofluid is an incredibly interesting material to use in these types of devices, it has some limitations. For example, its shelf life may depend on storage conditions. If the fluid is exposed to air for a long time or to high temperatures, the carrier liquid may evaporate and iron sedimentsThis causes it to lose its characteristic fluidity and stop reacting appropriately to the magnetic field.
However, if kept in a suitable, airtight container, ferrofluids can have a shelf life of up to ten years, making their use in products such as speakers viable in the long term.