Why Do Fluorescent Lights and Power Lines Buzz? | #VeritasiumContest

Have you ever noticed that fluorescent lights, refrigerators, power lines, and appliances sometimes make a persistent buzzing or humming noise? Me, too. I finally figured out why — and then tested that explanation with an acoustic guitar.

PS: Hey! This is my entry for the Veritasium team's science communication contest (i.e. #VeritasiumContest), which is why it's so short and sweet. Thank you so much to everyone who watched the video early on and helped me become a contest finalist! I'm so thrilled and honored.

Key Sources:
General Sources on Current, Magnetism, Sound:

AC:

The 60 Cycle Hum:

Find Me Elsewhere:

[williamgallini-poole]

I'm so glad i ran into this channel from Tom Scott's newsletter, such good content. Keep it up! :]

[samsmart]

The thing I love about this competition, I get to meet fellow science enthusiasts such as yourself. Great explanation and flow. Subbed to your channel :)

[samsmart]

Congratulations Alexis for making it to the finals of the Veritasium contest !!!

[exsistencelsior]

Of all the videos I have seen so far, this one's my favourite, I think you will win! 😋 It has a clear and concise explanation, demonstration, fun with the guitar, and that special sprinkle of Sciencey Curious Masala!

[Giratina]

Another wonderful video from one of my absolute favourite people on YouTube! Keep rocking it Alexis! :D

[alcalyne]

I've known about your channel since the bacon rock video and have watched all of your video ever since and you have so much potential, i'm always really eager to watch your new videos, keep up the good work :)

[etcetera]

oh come on, this is too good, I hope the video I'm entering for the contest in a few days matches upto this, Great entry!

[dedovagency]

Good luck with the contest! Your channel is so cool btw

[NovemberOrWhatever]

Awesome! I'm so glad Tom Scott recommended this channel to me.

[Tom-efmz]

ALEXIS! Loving the channel! Keep up the awesome videos!

[fisadev]

YouTube really needs more content like this: straight to the point, clear explanation. Not 10 minutes of rambling to say what 1 minute would, just to please the algorithm :)

[neaituppi]

That is actually the corona discharge. It is not from the alternating current shifting, but from the charged conductor becoming ionized.
When a material with magnetization interacts with the alternating current. The sounds are not always going to be Bb. As different current frequencies are used. Smaller devices, like a fridge have a condenser motor that is making the humming sound. A floursecent bulb has a gas in it, and the ballast is what hums. Usually as it wears the resistance increases. But it is not really the same as a power line, in which the electric filed is greater than the air around it. Which can make the sound and a glow.

[ValhallaIronworks]

Awesome video! I've been having a great time going through the hashtag and seeing the other entries!

[masonicrl]

Youve got a great channel, and deserve way more subscribers than you have, I hope this gets featured!

[JeremySiedzik]

this channel gives me the goosebumps in the best way

[mr_m]

Great video by the wonderful Alexis. I'd say this was a "shocking" discovery⚡

[philipstapert]

I first thought about this once when I was tuning an organ, and the buzz of some fans in the church messed with my ability to tune B and Bb.

[firstyoutubeviewer]

another info i can brag about to others while we walk near a power line

[cgibbard]

If you were to superimpose the 60 Hz hum from North America's power grid and the 50 Hz hum from Europe or elsewhere, you'd get a justly tuned minor third, because that's obviously a 6/5 ratio. It would be really fun to know if there were any stations in the world where one is converted to the other and you could naturally hear both at once.

[SomeshRajvlogs]

Wow Now I do have an Explanation to these Noises.😌😌