Science and Technology
Piezoelectricity
What is Piezoelectricity?
- The Piezoelectric Effect: Ability of certain materials to generate electric charge under mechanical stress.
- Discovered in 1880 by Pierre and Paul-Jacques Curie.
Piezoelectric Principle
- Caused by the unusual crystal structures of some materials.
- Application of stress creates asymmetry in charges, generating a small electric current.
- Some materials exhibit the inverse effect (electric current causing mechanical deformation).
Applications
- Direct Piezoelectric Effect:
- Pressure sensors
- Accelerometers
- Acoustic devices (microphones, phonograph pickups)
- Inverse Piezoelectric Effect:
- Wave filters in telephones
Polity
Curative Petition
Concept
- Introduced by the Supreme Court in Rupa Ashok Hurra vs Ashok Hurra and Anr (2002).
- Last resort to seek justice from the Supreme Court for a perceived wrong in its decision.
- Not prescribed in the Constitution.
Process
- Only after a review plea dismissal by the Supreme Court.
- Circulated to a bench of three senior-most judges (including judges from the original case, if available).
- If a majority agrees, the petition is sent to the original bench (if possible).
Health
Methanol
Context
- US hand sanitizer recall due to toxic methanol content (health risks like nausea, coma, even death).
About Methanol
- Simplest alcohol (CH3OH), also known as methyl alcohol.
- Chemical building block in various products (plastics, paints, car parts, construction materials).
- Clean energy resource (fuels cars, trucks, etc.).
Health Risks
- Nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision
- Coma, seizures, permanent blindness
- Permanent damage to central nervous system
- Death