Piezoelectric Effect
Definition and meaning of Piezoelectric Effect in chemistry.
The piezoelectric effect is the generation of an electrical charge in certain solid materials in response to applied mechanical stress.
In more detail
This phenomenon occurs naturally in crystalline materials that lack a center of inversion symmetry. When a mechanical force is applied, the crystal lattice undergoes deformation, which shifts the centers of positive and negative charge within the unit cell and creates a net macroscopic dipole moment. The effect is also fully reversible; applying an external electric field to a piezoelectric material causes it to mechanically deform. This reversible property makes these materials extremely useful in precision analytical instruments, actuators, and acoustic sensors.
Key facts
| Field | Physical Chemistry |
|---|---|
| Requirement | Non-centrosymmetric crystal structure |
| Formula Example | SiO2 |
Squeezing a piece of quartz crystal generates a small electric voltage, a principle that is commonly utilized in the spark igniters of gas grills and laboratory lighters.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common piezoelectric material?
Quartz is a classic naturally occurring piezoelectric material, while lead zirconate titanate is a common synthetic one.