TED-Ed: How to squeeze electricity out of crystals - Ashwini Bharathula

The video explains piezoelectricity, a phenomenon where certain materials generate electricity when mechanical stress is applied. Discovered by Pierre and Jacques Curie in 1880, piezoelectricity was first used in sonar during World War I. The video details how piezoelectric materials work, focusing on their atomic structure and charge distribution. It highlights various materials, including quartz, DNA, and synthetic options, and discusses applications in watches, medical imaging, and energy generation. The potential for future uses, such as powering devices through movement, is also explored.

Describe the atomic structure that makes a material piezoelectric.

What are some common applications of piezoelectric materials mentioned in the text?