How many volts does my speaker need to operate?

electric cars for kids over 8 image

Zach

I got a couple speakers from an old kid's electric car and wanted to use them for things like my mp3 player. I'd like to operate them from batteries. One is a 1 watt, 16 omega speaker and the other is a 5 watt, 8 omega speaker. How many volts would I need for each one?

Answer
Speakers are a load. If you put a signal source into them, there is voltage and current flow. Multiply current times voltage, and you get power (in watts), which is the normal way speakers are specified.

Knowing the impedance, you can calculate back to find the required voltage. The formula is:

E= sqrt(P * Z)

Where:
E = Volts
P = Power (in watts)
Z = Impedance in Ohms

So, from your examples, the 5 watt speaker would take 6.3V. The 1 watt would take 4V.

Now that we've done that, throw them away and get yourself some proper powered speakers for just a few bucks. Those speakers will sound horrible for music.

Oh yeah, Omega is the symbol used in electronics for "ohms", a unit of resistance. It was also a recent album by Asia too.

Good luck.

Greetings from Austin, TX
Ken

What is the best slot car racing set?

Steve P

Want to get a electric slot car racing track set for my boys (ages 8 & 12) as a holiday gift. I see Carrera, AFX, etc. Which is the best (funnest)? I had one as a kid but don't remember the brand. Any recommendation is appreciated. Thanks.

Answer
check out hobbypeople.net, they sell some good ones.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Title Post: How many volts does my speaker need to operate?
Rating: 92% based on 925 ratings. 4 user reviews.
Author: Unknown

Thanks For Coming To My Blog