The correct spelling of "crystal microphone" is /ˈkrɪstəl ˈmaɪkrəfoʊn/. The word "crystal" is spelled with a "c" and "y" followed by "s-t-a-l" which represents the "s" sound. "Microphone" is spelled with "mi-cro-phone" where "mi" represents the "m" sound, "cro" represents the "k-r" sound, and "phone" represents the "f-oh-n" sound. A crystal microphone is a type of microphone that uses a piezoelectric crystal to convert sound into electrical signals.
A crystal microphone, also known as a piezoelectric microphone, is an electroacoustic device utilized for converting sound waves into electrical signals. It is equipped with a piezoelectric element, usually made of a crystal such as quartz or Rochelle salt, that generates electrical voltage in response to mechanical pressure. This type of microphone operates on the principle of piezoelectricity, where the crystal structure produces an electric charge when it is subjected to mechanical stress.
The crystal microphone consists of a diaphragm made of a metallic material, onto which the piezoelectric crystal is attached. When sound waves from the surrounding environment reach the diaphragm, they cause it to vibrate. These vibrations cause the attached crystal to deform, inducing an electric charge across its surface. The generated electric signal is then amplified and processed by audio equipment to produce audible sound.
Crystal microphones offer several advantages, including high output signal levels and excellent durability. They are particularly effective in capturing high-frequency sounds with great accuracy. However, they are less sensitive in capturing low-frequency sounds compared to other microphone types. Crystal microphones have been commonly used in telephones, public address systems, and recording studios, though their usage has diminished with the advent of newer microphone technologies like condenser and dynamic microphones.
The word "crystal microphone" is a compound term that combines two words: "crystal" and "microphone".
The term "crystal" refers to a solid material that has an ordered and repeating atomic structure. In the context of microphones, "crystal" is used to describe the type of element used in older types of microphones to convert sound waves into electrical signals.
The term "microphone" comes from the Greek words "mikros" meaning "small" and "phone" meaning "sound" or "voice". It is a device that converts sound waves into electrical signals, allowing them to be amplified, transmitted, or recorded.
The combination "crystal microphone" specifically refers to a type of microphone that uses a piezoelectric crystal as the sensing element. These microphones were widely used in the mid-20th century and were known for their durability and relatively low cost.