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Question

The working principle of a crystal oscillator is based on:

This question was previously asked in
RRB NTPC 2025 Graduate Level CBT 1 Question Paper (25-Mar-2026) (Shift 3)
The correct answer is

Piezoelectric effect

The working principle of a crystal oscillator is based on the piezoelectric effect. Let's understand why this is the correct option and explore the concept in detail.

  1. Piezoelectric Effect:

    This effect occurs when certain materials produce an electric charge in response to mechanical stress. Crystal oscillators use a quartz crystal that exhibits this effect. When an external voltage is applied to the crystal, it begins to oscillate at a specific frequency. This is because the crystal deforms slightly under the electric field, generating mechanical vibrations. These vibrations, in turn, cause the crystal to generate an alternating current at a precise frequency. This stable frequency makes crystal oscillators extremely useful in electronic circuits and devices.

    Therefore, the correct answer is that the working principle of a crystal oscillator is based on the Piezoelectric Effect.

  2. Hall Effect:

    This effect involves the production of voltage across an electrical conductor when a magnetic field is applied perpendicular to the flow of the current. It is unrelated to the functioning of crystal oscillators.

  3. Thermionic Emission:

    This is the emission of electrons from a heated surface, often a metal. It's a principle behind vacuum tubes, not crystal oscillators.

  4. Photoelectric Effect:

    This effect is the emission of electrons from a material when it is exposed to light, forming the basis of photovoltaic cells. It is not related to the operation of a crystal oscillator.

In conclusion, the piezoelectric effect is fundamental to how crystal oscillators maintain their frequency stability, differentiating them from the other effects listed, which are not applicable here.

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Important Questions from Oscillators

  1. Which of the following oscillators is the most stable one?

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  3. What is an oscillator?

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