PHOTOVOLTAIC EFFECT Meaning and
Definition
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The photovoltaic effect is a phenomenon in which certain materials have the ability to generate electrical voltage and current when exposed to light. It is the fundamental principle that underpins the functionality of solar cells and photovoltaic devices.
When light photons strike the surface of a material, their energy is absorbed by the atoms or molecules within the material. This energy causes electrons to be excited from their ground states into higher energy levels or even be completely detached from the atoms. As a result, the material becomes electrically charged, creating an electric field. This separation of charges creates a potential difference or voltage between the two sides of the material, generating an electric current when a circuit is connected.
The efficiency of the photovoltaic effect depends on various factors, including the composition and structure of the material used, the wavelength and intensity of the incident light, and external factors like temperature. Semiconductors, such as silicon, are commonly employed in solar cells due to their ability to efficiently convert sunlight into electrical energy.
Photovoltaic devices based on the photovoltaic effect have applications in renewable energy systems, where solar panels convert sunlight into electricity. They are also used in electronic devices like calculators, watches, and satellites, where they serve as a self-sustained power source. As technology advances, research continues to enhance the efficiency and affordability of photovoltaic devices, making solar energy a more viable and sustainable option for power generation.
Common Misspellings for PHOTOVOLTAIC EFFECT
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Etymology of PHOTOVOLTAIC EFFECT
The word "photovoltaic" is derived from the Greek terms "photos" meaning light, and "volt" referring to electric potential or voltage. The term "photovoltaic" was coined by a French physicist named Edmond Becquerel in 1839 when he discovered the phenomenon of creating an electric current in a material by exposing it to light. Thus, the term "photovoltaic effect" is used to describe the process of generating an electric current when certain materials, known as photovoltaic materials, are exposed to light.
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