[flight567]

well the title saysit all... i understand the principle of a voltage being applied to a magnet with then pushes a diaphragm to and fro in such a way that creates noise. but what exactly creates the noise on the diaphragm? do each individual wave come from a different spot on the diaphragm? what happens there?

 

[xnor]

The motion of the diaphragm causes changes in air pressure. See wiki: sound.

 

[iamthem]

As the diaphragm moves forward, it pushes air forward increasing the air pressure, and when it moves back the air pressure drops. Sound is essentially a rapid change in air pressure. E.g., when you clap your hands you suddenly increase the air pressure between your hands and that is what produces the sound.