I’ve been told by a couple of folks that the firing switch in my 'tater gun is piezielectric or something like that. What is the correct word, and what is ther principle behind its operation? It originally was the starter for a gas grill. Any help?
Thanks ahead of time. Fishhead.
yes, piezoelectric. Certain crystals generate electrical charges in response to mechanical pressure. That is the principle behind Piezielectric microphones and quartz crystals for oscillators.
The piezoelectric effect is reversible, as well. An electric field applied across a piezoelectric crystal will cause the crystal to distort. This is used in those tiny, flat speakers used in handheld games and cellphones. Here’s a How Stuff Works article on the subject.