Which of the following is produced by converting solar energy using photovoltaic cells?
Electrical energy is produced by converting solar energy using photovoltaic cells. Photovoltaic cells directly convert sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. When sunlight hits the cells, it excites electrons, generating a flow of electricity.
Share
Option B: Electrical energy is produced by converting solar energy using photovoltaic cells. Photovoltaic cells, commonly known as solar cells, directly convert sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. When sunlight strikes the semiconductor material within the cells, it excites electrons, creating an electric current. This process occurs within the p-n junction of the semiconductor, where electrons are knocked loose from their atoms, creating electron-hole pairs. These electrons are then forced to flow in one direction by an internal electric field, generating a direct current (DC) output. This electrical energy can be used to power various devices, homes, or even entire electrical grids when connected in arrays.
Options A (optical energy), C (thermal energy), and D (mechanical energy) are incorrect as they do not accurately describe the output of photovoltaic cells. Optical energy refers to light energy, which is the input to the photovoltaic cells rather than the output. Thermal energy refers to heat energy, and mechanical energy refers to energy associated with the motion of objects, neither of which is produced directly by photovoltaic cells. Therefore, the correct answer is option B, electrical energy, as it is the primary output of photovoltaic cell conversion of solar energy.