The following problem is examined theoretically: A pressure is applied to an open‐circuited bar of piezoelectric ceramic; after steady‐state conditions have been achieved, an electrical resistanceRis connected between the electrodes and simultaneously the pressure is removed. General equations describing the subsequent current and energy dissipation in the resistor are developed, and examined in detail for a specific transducer of lead zirconate‐titanate ceramic. The general equation for current consists of a series of time‐delayed functions, signifying physically that a mechanical wave propagates through the transducer with successive reflections at the end faces, releasing strain energy originally stored in the material; this energy is then dissipated in electrical form in the resistance. The initial current h*s two components, an exponential function representing the discharge of energy stored in electrical form in the transducer capacitanceC0(about 10% of the total stored energy), and a step function representing the release of energy stored in mechanical form (remaining 90%). IfRis small the exponential function predominates, and has a time constant which is approximatelyRC0; the stored electrical energy is released very rapidly, while the mechanical energy is released much more slowly. IfRis large (of the order of 104ohms), exponential function and step function are of comparable magnitudes, and the time constant of the exponential is modified by the mechanical impedance of the transducer.