How is a piezoelectric crystal used to generate waves of ultrasound?

A piezoelectric crystal makes use of the peizoelectric effect. This is the production of a voltage when mechanical stress is applied across the material. This occurs only in materials when the unit cells which make up the material have an asymmetric charge distribution when under compression.
The reverse of this is using the crystal to produce waves. This is the reverse peizoelectric effect. This means appying a voltage to the crystal, producing compression. When an alternating current is applied, this gives repeated compression and relaxation of the crystal.
The movement of the face of the crystal will displace air molecules, giving a longitudinal wave, meaning, at the necessary high frequency, ultrasound waves.

Answered by David A. Physics tutor

8105 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

How did rutherford's gold leaf experiment prove the existence of the nucleus?


What is the difference between a Scalar and a Vector?


Describe simple harmonic motion (SHM). Sketch a displacement-time graph for a particle undergoing SHM and the corresponding velocity-time and acceleration-time graphs. Use these graphs to describe the relationship between accleration and displacment.


Why does gravitational potential energy have a negative value?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy