What is the piezoelectric effect?
The piezoelectric effect (piezoelectric being derived from the classical Greek 'piezein' meaning to press or squeeze) is the ability of certain solids to generate an electrical charge in response to mechanical stress. The applied force causes the microscopic structure of the object to change, resulting in dipoles between which an electric field is generated. The piezoelectric effect is also reversible, meaning that piezoelectric (PE) materials undergo elastic deformation when an electrical field is applied. One of the most important PE materials is quartz (SiO2).