This entry contributed by Dana Romero
Certain crystals are called piezoelectric when they exhibit a relationship between mechanical strain (tension or compression) and voltage across their surfaces. Specifically, when compressed or pulled, a piezoelectric crystal will build up alternate charges on opposite faces, thus acting like a capacitor with an applied voltage. A current, called piezoelectricity, can then be generated between the faces. On the other hand, when subjected to an external voltage, the crystal will expand or contract accordingly.
Piezoelectricity, Strain, Voltage
References
Cady, W. G. Piezoelectricity: An Introduction to the Theory and Applications of Electromechanical Phenomena in Crystals, New rev. ed., 2 vols. New York: Dover, 1964.
Mason, W. P. Piezoelectric Crystals and Their Application to Ultrasonics. New York: Van Nostrand, 1950.
Rosen, C. Z.; Hiremath, B. V.; and Newnham, R. (Eds.). Piezoelectricity. New York: Springer-Verlag, 1992.
Weisstein, E. W. "Books about Piezoelectricity." http://www.ericweisstein.com/encyclopedias/books/Piezoelectricity.html.
