PV Gap

Steve Said:

How does a solar cell generate a potential difference?

We Answered:

"Generate a potential difference" is asking you to determine HOW it does the causing of a potential difference.

I don't think this is a reasonable eigth grade question, because it is very complicated semiconductor phenomena that make the photovoltaic cells function.


"photons are charged are they?"

No...photons are uncharged. If they were charged, then protons and electrons would be able to loose their charges and swap charges...and that does not happen.


Photons carry energy. That energy exites the electrons to change their energy levels in the doped semiconductor cells. The exact details you should read below:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photovoltai…

Valerie Said:

What would be the series resistance of 3V, 2 x 2 inches solar cell?

We Answered:

You can't tell the resistance just by knowing the voltage.

If you actually have the solar cell you can put an ohm meter across the leads of the cell. The ohms is the resistance of that cell and resistance in series would be multiples of that single cell if you hooked up any more of that solar cell in series.

Morris Said:

What is the difference between a photocell and a solar cell?

We Answered:

They are both relatively the same....
The term solar cell is reserved for devices intended specifically to capture energy from sunlight, while the term photo cell is used when the source is unspecified