Piezoelectric Effect: Length Contraction & Dipole Moment

[KingBigness]

From what I understand the Piezoelectric effect occurs when there is a change in dipole moment. If a crystal was to be accelerated along the x direction then the crystal will undergo a length contraction. My question is, would this not cause a change in dipole moment from an outside observer and hence create an effect analogousness to the piezoelectric effect?

 

[EE4life]

I think your understanding of piezoelectric is not accurate. Piezoelectric is caused by an alignment of spontaneous dipoles. Most crystals have not spontaneous dipoles. For example, if you squeeze rocksalt, the net dipole in the material is still zero. Check out wikipedia for getting a basic understanding.

 

[Mentz114]

Supposing we did have such a crystal and it was wired to a sensitive voltmeter. We could ask a inertially passing lab to look at the voltmeter readout as they fly by. Obviously everyone sees the same reading - zero.