Piezoelectric Effect Simulator (2D)

This 2D simulator draws a cross-section of a piezoelectric crystal's ion lattice — one sublattice of positive ions, one of negative ions, connected by bonds. In direct mode, dragging the pressure slider (or tapping the crystal) compresses the lattice and shifts the two sublattices apart, generating a live voltage proportional to the applied force, exactly as a real quartz or PZT sensor converts mechanical stress into an electrical signal. Switch to converse mode and the applied-voltage slider drives the field the other way: an electric field pulls the charge centers apart and physically strains the lattice, the same mechanism a quartz watch or ultrasound transducer uses to turn voltage into motion. Pick quartz, PZT ceramic, or tourmaline to compare how strongly each material's real piezoelectric coefficient couples force to voltage and voltage to strain.