Most simplistically, it works on radio waves, invisible wave lengths that can be picked up by receivers and translated into electronic signals that control displays on a "picture tube".
Most recently,digital signals have replaced analog waves, and of course people are now receiving the electronic TV.
Underneath the telephone is a diaphragm which vibrates quickly when you speak. Behind the diaphragm are tiny granules which are pushed together with the vibrations.
They allow electric pass through to a wire. The electric currents travel along the wire to other person's telephone.
Like most materials, alcohol expands (takes up more space) as it heats up, and contracts (shrinks) as it cools down. Alcohol expands and contracts more than most other materials do. So we can easily see a difference in the level of the alcohol after a small change in temperature.