| Some crystals produce a
voltage when under compression or tension.
This is called the Piezoelectric Effect. The voltage is directly proportional to the applied force. These devices can be used for measuring force, pressure, acceleration, vibration etc. |
| Conversely, if a voltage
is applied to the crystal it changes in size.
If a high frequency AC voltage is applied then the crystal will vibrate and produce high frequency sound waves. This is the principle of the ultrasonic sound generator. An application as a liquid
level sensor is shown below.
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Copyright Graham Knott 2004