Question

What happens when an electric field is applied to a piezoelectric crystal?

What happens when a piezoelectric crystal is subjected to an electric field?

Answer 1

1. When an electric field is applied to a piezoelectric crystal, the crystal undergoes a mechanical deformation; it either expands or contracts depending on the direction of the field.
2. This occurs because the electric field causes a displacement of charges within the crystal lattice, resulting in a change in its shape or dimensions. This property is reversible, meaning the crystal also generates an electric voltage when mechanical stress is applied.