piezoelectricity
(noun)
The ability of certain crystals to generate a voltage in response to applied mechanical stress.
Examples of piezoelectricity in the following topics:
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Properties of Quartz and Glass
- Glass is a non-crystalline solid material made of silica, while quartz is a crystalline silicate mineral with piezoelectric properties.
- Quartz crystals have piezoelectric properties.
- Piezoelectricity is the ability to develop an electric potential upon the application of mechanical stress.
- Today, a crystal oscillator is a common piezoelectric use for quartz: the vibration frequency of the crystal is used to generate an electrical signal of very precise frequency.