| a colorless or white, water-soluble solid, KNaC4H4O6·4H2O, used in silvering mirrors, in the manufacture of Seidlitz powders and baking powder, and in medicine as a laxative. |
| potassium sodium tartrate n. A colorless efflorescent crystalline compound, KNaC4H4O6·4H2O, used in making mirrors, in electronics, and as a laxative. Also called Rochelle salt. |
Ro·chelle salt or Ro·chelle salts  (rə-shěl', rō-)  n. See potassium sodium tartrate. [After (La) Rochelle.] |
Rochelle salt Ro·chelle salt (rə-shěl', rō-)
n.
See potassium sodium tartrate.
Rochelle salt
a crystalline solid having a large piezoelectric effect (electric charge induced on its surfaces by mechanical deformation due to pressure, twisting, or bending), making it useful in sensitive acoustical and vibrational devices. Like other piezoelectric materials, Rochelle salt crystals (KNaC4H4O64H2O) become strained when subjected to electric fields. They decompose at moderately high temperatures (55 C [131 F]) and require protection against moisture. Piezoelectric deformation is directly proportional to the applied electric field and reverses as the polarity of the applied field is reversed. These basic properties are put to use in electromechanical transducers such as ultrasonic generators, microphones, and phonograph pickups and in electromechanical resonators. See also tartaric acid.
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