Quartz crystal oscillator

In summary, quartz crystals are used in clocks to regulate time measurement and they are piezoelectric, meaning they convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. They do not convert heat energy to AC electrical energy. A quartz crystal immersed in a gas would not generate a voltage due to impacts from all directions. More research is encouraged for further understanding.
  • #1
duordi134
44
0
Quartz crystals are used in clocks to regulate time measurement.
Does a quartz crystal convert heat energy to AC electrical energy?

Duordi
 
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  • #2
duordi134 said:
Quartz crystals are used in clocks to regulate time measurement.
Does a quartz crystal convert heat energy to AC electrical energy?

Duordi

Duordi, Welcome to Physics Forums!

Quartz crystals do not convert heat energy to AC electrical energy. They are piezoelectric, which means they convert mechanical energy (say vibration) into electrical energy. Interestingly, they work in the reverse, also. When an electrical signal, say a voltage, is applied, the crystal deforms mechanically.

You can learn all about them if you want to. May I suggest you begin with these two sites?
http://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/oscillator/crystal.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crystal_oscillator

Cheers,
Bobbywhy
 
  • #3


So if a crystal was immersed in a gas which would strike the crystal every so often
causing it to remain vibrating then the crystal would constantly provide an electric current.

This may not be a useful condition because of its minute capacity but it would be a direct conversion of heat energy (motion of the gas molecules) to electrical energy.

durodi
 
  • #4
durodi, Interesting hypothesis, but I don’t think it works the way you propose. Did you visit the two sites I recommended? There the physical deformation of a crystal and the resultant charge generation is clearly described.

A quartz (piezoelectric) crystal must be deformed along a particular axis in a well-defined direction in order to produce a voltage.

A quartz crystal immersed in a hot gas will be bombarded by rapidly moving molecules. But they will impact on the crystal from all directions, and therefore exerting a force on the crystal in all directions. The result will not be any vibration, deformation, or voltage generated. So there would be no conversion of heat energy to electrical energy.

Nice try, durodi. I encourage you to continue your searching. This is how new discoveries are made.

Cheers,
Bobbywhy
 
  • #5
: No, a quartz crystal does not convert heat energy to AC electrical energy. Quartz crystals are piezoelectric, meaning they can generate an electrical charge when mechanical stress is applied to them. In a quartz crystal oscillator, an electrical current is passed through the crystal, causing it to vibrate at a precise frequency. This vibration is then used to regulate the time measurement in clocks. Heat energy is not involved in this process.
 

1. What is a quartz crystal oscillator?

A quartz crystal oscillator is an electronic circuit that uses the vibrating frequency of a quartz crystal to generate a precise electrical signal. This signal is used to keep time in electronic devices such as watches, clocks, and computers.

2. How does a quartz crystal oscillator work?

Inside a quartz crystal oscillator, the quartz crystal is cut and shaped in a specific way to vibrate at a precise frequency when an electrical current is applied. This vibration is then amplified and converted into a stable electrical signal that can be used to keep time.

3. What are the advantages of using a quartz crystal oscillator?

One of the main advantages of using a quartz crystal oscillator is its high accuracy and stability. Quartz crystals have a very low rate of frequency change over time compared to other types of oscillators, making them ideal for timekeeping in electronic devices. They are also relatively inexpensive and have a wide operating temperature range.

4. Can a quartz crystal oscillator be affected by external factors?

Yes, a quartz crystal oscillator can be affected by external factors such as temperature, humidity, and mechanical shock. Changes in these factors can cause the crystal to vibrate at a different frequency, which can affect the accuracy of the oscillator. However, these effects can be minimized by using temperature compensating circuits and protective enclosures.

5. What are some common applications of quartz crystal oscillators?

Quartz crystal oscillators are commonly used in electronic devices that require precise timing, such as smartphones, GPS systems, and communication equipment. They are also used in scientific instruments, aerospace technology, and military equipment.

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