Power from Pressure: Understanding Piezoelectricity | 28 Nov 2023

Piezoelectricity is a fascinating process where certain materials, like quartz and lead zirconate titanate (PZT), create electric charges when they are squeezed or stressed.

• This happens because the atoms in these materials get unevenly charged when pressure is applied, leading to a small electric current.
  • Some materials can even turn electric currents into physical movements. These materials are widely used in devices like sensors and accelerometers because they are great at turning mechanical signals into electrical ones.
  • This effect is what made quartz watches so popular and affordable, as they use this technology to work.
• The name "piezoelectric" comes from Greek words meaning 'to squeeze' and amber's association with static electricity.

Read more: Piezoelectric Effect