Which of the following characteristics does a piezoelectric transducer exhibit when subjected to mechanical stress?

Explanation:

When subjected to mechanical stress, a piezoelectric transducer exhibits the characteristic of voltage generation. Let's delve into the details of how this phenomenon occurs and analyze why the other options are not correct.

Piezoelectric Effect and Voltage Generation:

Piezoelectric transducers operate based on the piezoelectric effect, a property of certain materials (such as quartz, ceramics, and some polymers) to generate an electric charge in response to applied mechanical stress. When a piezoelectric material is deformed or stressed, the internal distribution of electric charges within the material changes. This results in the generation of an electric potential, or voltage, across the material. This voltage can then be measured and utilized in various applications, such as sensors, actuators, and energy harvesting devices.

The process can be summarized as follows:

• Mechanical stress is applied to the piezoelectric material.
• The stress induces a deformation in the crystal lattice structure of the material.
• This deformation causes a shift in the positions of the positive and negative charge centers within the material, creating an electric dipole moment.
• The accumulation of these dipole moments generates a measurable electric potential (voltage) across the material.

This phenomenon is the cornerstone of piezoelectric transducers, making them highly effective for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy and vice versa. The generated voltage is directly proportional to the applied mechanical stress, allowing for precise measurements and control in various applications.