Ferroelectric materials are substances that exhibit a spontaneous electric polarization, meaning they can maintain an electric charge even when an external electric field is removed. This property arises from the alignment of electric dipoles within the material, which can be switched by applying an external electric field. Common examples of ferroelectric materials include barium titanate and lead zirconate titanate. These materials are widely used in various applications, such as capacitors, sensors, and actuators, due to their ability to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy and vice versa. Their unique properties make them essential in modern electronics, particularly in devices that require precise control of electric fields.