piezoelectric coefficient

physics

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July 1, 2026

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Piezoelectricity, meaning "pressure electricity," is a phenomenon observed in certain nonconducting crystals where mechanical stress, like squeezing or bending, causes them to develop electric polarization. This means positive and negative electric charges separate on opposite sides of the crystal.123

The direct piezoelectric effect occurs when stress is applied, producing a polarization P proportional to the stress. Conversely, the converse piezoelectric effect happens when an electric field is applied, causing the crystal to distort, with the strain proportional to the field. The piezoelectric coefficient, denoted by d, quantifies this relationship. For example, quartz has a coefficient of approximately 3 × 10⁻¹² meters per volt.1

This property is utilized in various devices, including quartz oscillators for precise clocks and watches, musical instruments to convert vibrations into electrical signals, and even in gas igniters.12

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electricity
Piezoelectricity
The piezoelectric coefficient d (in metres per volt) is approximately 3 × 10⁻¹² for quartz, 5 × −10⁻¹¹ for ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, and 3 × 10⁻¹⁰ for lead zirconate titanate.
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The piezoelectric coefficient d (in metres per volt) is approximately 3 × 10⁻¹² for quartz, 5 × −10⁻¹¹ for ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, and 3 × 10⁻¹⁰ for lead zirconate titanate.
Read More