The _____________ is the ability of certain materials to generate an electric charge in response to mechanical stress

• A. Piezoelectric Effect
• B. Ferroelectric Effect
• C. Photoelectric Effect
• D. Electrostatic Induction

Answer: (A)

The ability of certain materials to generate an electric charge when mechanical stress is applied is the piezoelectric effect. In crystals like quartz, the internal arrangement of atoms lacks a center of symmetry. When you squeeze or bend the material, the ions shift just enough to create a separation of positive and negative charges, producing a polarization. This change in polarization leads to a surface charge or a measurable voltage, enabling sensing and actuation applications.

This differs from the ferroelectric effect, which involves spontaneous polarization that can be reversed by an electric field rather than generated by mechanical stress. The photoelectric effect involves electrons being ejected due to light, not mechanical pressure. Electrostatic induction involves charging due to nearby electric fields or charged objects, not directly from mechanical deformation.