Which statement best describes the Piezoelectric Effect?

Which statement best describes the Piezoelectric Effect?

• A. Generation of electric charging in response to mechanical stress
• B. Generation of heat in response to electrical current
• C. Absorption of ultrasound energy by tissues
• D. Reflection of waves at tissue interfaces

Answer: (A)

The Piezoelectric Effect means that certain materials generate an electric charge when they are mechanically deformed. This is the principle used in ultrasound probes: when the crystal is stressed by sound waves, it can produce an electrical signal, and when an electrical signal is applied, it causes the crystal to vibrate and emit ultrasound. The statement that describes generation of electric charge in response to mechanical stress is the correct match. The other options describe heating from electrical current, absorption of ultrasound energy by tissue, or reflection at tissue interfaces—phenomena not describing the piezoelectric response.

The Piezoelectric Effect means that certain materials generate an electric charge when they are mechanically deformed. This is the principle used in ultrasound probes: when the crystal is stressed by sound waves, it can produce an electrical signal, and when an electrical signal is applied, it causes the crystal to vibrate and emit ultrasound. The statement that describes generation of electric charge in response to mechanical stress is the correct match. The other options describe heating from electrical current, absorption of ultrasound energy by tissue, or reflection at tissue interfaces—phenomena not describing the piezoelectric response.