The Piezoelectric Effect is an electrical charge created in certain crystals due to the application of mechanical force. The effect was discovered by French physicist, Pierre-Curie in 1880. Today, it is used to create instruments and devices which exploit the properties of this phenomena.These instruments have found use in a variety of fields including medical, automotive, and aerospace engineering.
The Piezoelectric Effect occurs when certain geo-metrically symmetrical crystals such as quartz, tourmaline and rochelle salts are subjected to applied force. The force causes a separation of electric charges within the crystal structure. This imbalance of electric charges creates an electrical voltage which can be harnessed. When the force is relaxed the voltage also dissipates with the crystal returning to its equilibrium state.
This effect is known as the Piezoelectric Effect because it was determined that some crystal lattices could produce an electrical voltage when subjected to mechanical force. The term “Piezoelectric” is derived from the Greek words “ piezo ” or “ to squeeze ” and “ electric ” meaning “ carrying electricity. ” In order to understand how the Piezoelectric Effect actually works, it is important to understand the fundamental physical properties of crystals.
Crystals are made up of individual particles called atoms, which have geometric shapes which form an organized lattice network. The structure of these arrangements of atoms creates an electrical polarization within the crystal. This polarization is analogous to a “spring” in the crystal lattice. When a force is applied it causes an imbalance in the lattice alignment, resulting in an electrical charge. This electrical charge is what is known as a Piezoelectric Effect.
The Piezoelectric Effect has a wide range of applications. It can be used in sensors, transducers and accelerometers. It can also be used in the production of ultrasonic waves, used in medical treatments and industrial applications. Additionally, it is used in transducers for generating and receiving of electrical signals for communication.
The most well-known use of this effect is in musical instruments. Most musical instruments use the Piezoelectric Effect in order to generate a sound from a source material such as wood, plastic or metal. Piezoelectricity is also used in many touch and pressure sensing applications such as keyboards and touchpads.
The Piezoelectric Effect is an important asset in the technological world. By creating electricity from mechanical force, new and improved products or technologies can be developed that would otherwise be impossible. This effect has been studied and used for decades and its potential is still a growing area of research. Its potential applications are vast and largely unexplored, so the Piezoelectric Effect continues to be an exciting area of study.
