PYROELECTRICITY Meaning and
Definition
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Pyroelectricity refers to the property of certain materials to generate an electric charge or voltage when subjected to variations in their temperature. This phenomenon occurs due to the asymmetric arrangement of positive and negative charges within the crystal lattice of these materials. The term "pyroelectricity" is derived from the Greek words "pyr" meaning fire and "electricity."
When exposed to a change in temperature, the crystal structure of pyroelectric materials, such as certain ceramics or crystals, undergoes a shift that results in a redistribution of the charge, creating an electrical potential across the material. This effect is reversible and the polarity of the charge depends on the direction of the temperature change. Heating and cooling cycles alter the dipole moment of the material, which leads to the generation of alternating electric fields.
The pyroelectric effect finds practical applications in various fields. For instance, it is utilized in infrared detectors, where changes in temperature caused by incoming infrared radiation produce an electrical signal. This makes pyroelectric sensors highly useful in devices like motion detectors, thermal imaging cameras, and fire detection systems. Additionally, pyroelectric materials can be utilized in energy harvesting applications or as temperature sensors.
In conclusion, pyroelectricity refers to the ability of certain materials to generate an electric charge or voltage as a result of changes in temperature. This unique property has important implications in numerous technological applications, particularly in the field of sensing and detection.
Common Misspellings for PYROELECTRICITY
- oyroelectricity
- lyroelectricity
- -yroelectricity
- 0yroelectricity
- ptroelectricity
- pgroelectricity
- phroelectricity
- puroelectricity
- p7roelectricity
- p6roelectricity
- pyeoelectricity
- pydoelectricity
- pyfoelectricity
- pytoelectricity
- py5oelectricity
- py4oelectricity
- pyrielectricity
- pyrkelectricity
- pyrlelectricity
Etymology of PYROELECTRICITY
The word "pyroelectricity" is derived from two Greek roots: "pyro" meaning fire, and "electricity" referring to the phenomenon of electrical charge.
The term was coined by French physicist Marie Curie in the late 19th century. She observed that certain crystals, when heated or cooled, generate an electric charge. Inspired by the Greek root "pyro", which relates to heat or fire, and the term "electricity", Curie called this phenomenon "pyroelectricity".
The connection between heat and electricity had been known for quite some time. However, it was Curie's investigations and attention to this specific phenomenon of crystals generating an electrical charge upon temperature changes that led to the adoption of the term "pyroelectricity" to describe this unique characteristic.
Similar spelling words for PYROELECTRICITY
