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Chapter 14: Problem 6

What is ferroelectricity? Name any two ferroelectric materials and their applications.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Ferroelectricity is the reversible spontaneous electric polarization in materials. Examples include Barium Titanate and Lead Zirconate Titanate, used in capacitors and memory devices respectively.

Step by step solution

01

– Define Ferroelectricity

Ferroelectricity refers to the characteristic of certain materials having a spontaneous electric polarization that can be reversed by the application of an external electric field. This means these materials exhibit a natural electric polarization, and the direction of this polarization can change when exposed to an external electric field.
02

– Identify Two Ferroelectric Materials

Two examples of ferroelectric materials are Barium Titanate \((BaTiO_3)\) and Lead Zirconate Titanate \((PZT)\).
03

– Describe the Applications of These Materials

1. **Barium Titanate (BaTiO_3):** Used in capacitors, electro-optic devices, and as a piezoelectric sensor. 2. **Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT):** Widely utilized in actuators, transducers, and memory storage devices due to its strong piezoelectric properties.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

spontaneous electric polarization
Ferroelectricity is a unique property where certain materials exhibit spontaneous electric polarization. This means these materials naturally have an internal electric dipole moment, without the need for an external electric field.
The fascinating part is this polarization can be flipped by applying an external electric field, making these materials very useful in various applications. Picture it as a switch that can be turned on and off by an electrical stimulus.
Understanding this concept helps us grasp why these materials are significant in devices like sensors, actuators, and memory devices.
Barium Titanate
Barium Titanate \((BaTiO_3)\) is a well-known ferroelectric material. It is popular for its versatility in various electronic applications.
Here are some key points about its usage:
  • Capacitors: BaTiO_3 is used to make capacitors due to its high dielectric constant. Capacitors store and release electrical energy, and this property is crucial for enhancing their efficiency.
  • Electro-optic devices: It plays a vital role in devices that convert electrical signals into optical signals, such as modulators and switches.
  • Piezoelectric sensors: BaTiO_3 can convert mechanical stress into an electrical signal, making it perfect for sensors measuring pressure or vibrations.
To summarize, Barium Titanate is a versatile material that finds its way into many facets of daily technology.
Lead Zirconate Titanate
Lead Zirconate Titanate \(PZT)\) is another high-profile ferroelectric material. It stands out because of its strong piezoelectric properties.
Here are some of its primary applications:
  • Actuators: PZT can convert electrical energy into mechanical displacement. This property makes it optimal for precision movement in actuating devices.
  • Transducers: PZT is widely used in transducers, which convert one form of energy into another. For example, in ultrasound equipment, it converts electrical signals into sound waves.
  • Memory storage devices: Due to its ability to have its polarization switched, PZT is essential in non-volatile memory storage devices where data retention is crucial even when the power is off.
Lead Zirconate Titanate's ability to bridge different types of energy makes it indispensable in various technological applications.
piezoelectric sensor
Piezoelectric sensors are fascinating devices that leverage the unique properties of materials like BaTiO_3 and PZT.
They work by converting mechanical stress into an electrical signal. Here’s how these sensors are commonly used:
  • Measuring pressure: In applications such as automotive sensors, piezoelectric sensors can detect changes in pressure, helping systems adjust accordingly.
  • Vibration sensors: They are used in industrial machinery to monitor vibrations and prevent equipment failures.
  • Medical devices: In tools like ultrasound imaging, they convert sound waves into electrical signals to create an image of the interior of the body.
By capitalizing on the unique properties of ferroelectric materials, piezoelectric sensors play a crucial role in both everyday gadgets and advanced medical and industrial equipment.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Calculate the induced dipole moment per unit volume (polarization density) of helium gas when it is placed in a field of \(6 \times 10^{5} \mathrm{~V} / \mathrm{m}\). The atomic polarizability of helium is \(0.18 \times 10^{-40} \mathrm{Fm}^{2}\) and the concentration of helium atom is \(2.6 \times 10^{25} / \mathrm{m}^{3}\). Also calculate the separation of positive and negative charges in each atom. Ans. \(2.81 \times 10^{-10} \mathrm{C} / \mathrm{m}^{2}, 6.75 \times 10^{-17}\)

Explain the phenomenon of piezoelectricity. Describe any two applications of the piezoelectric effect.

Derive Clausius-Mosotti equation in SI system. Show that the dielectric constant of a ferroelectric should follow the Curie-Weiss law above the Curie temperature.

There are \(1.6 \times 10^{20}\) molecules \(/ \mathrm{m}^{3}\) in \(\mathrm{NaCl}\) vapour. Determine the orientational polarization at room temperature if the vapour is subjected to a field of \(5 \times 10^{6} \mathrm{~V} / \mathrm{m}\). Assume that the \(\mathrm{NaCl}\) molecule consists of \(\mathrm{Na}^{+}\) and \(\mathrm{Cl}^{-}\) ions separated by \(2.5 \AA\).

If the density of polarization of dimond is \(1.32 \times 10^{-10} \mathrm{C} / \mathrm{m}^{2}\), calculate the shift of the centre of negative cloud of 6 electrons on each atom from the nucleus. The density of the carbon is \(3500 \mathrm{~kg} / \mathrm{m}^{3}\) and the atomic weight is 12 . Ans. \(7.8 \times 10^{-17} \mathrm{~m}\)
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