Photovoltaic energy is the conversion of sunlight into

Question

Examoogle · Accepted Answer

Chemical energy

Explanation: Photovoltaic (PV) energy conversion refers to the direct transformation of solar radiation into electrical energy using semiconducting materials. The provided question contains a factual error in the identified 'Correct Answer'; sunlight is converted into electrical energy, not chemical energy.

Working Principle: When photons with energy greater than the bandgap of a semiconductor (typically silicon) strike the solar cell, they excite electrons from the valence band to the conduction band. This creates electron-hole pairs, and the internal electric field of the p-n junction sweeps these charges to separate contacts, generating a direct current (DC) flow.

Key Formulas: $E = h
u = \frac{hc}{\lambda}$ — Energy of a photon based on its frequency or wavelength; $P = IV$ — Power generated by the photovoltaic cell

Key Points: The photovoltaic effect is a physical and chemical phenomenon.; Silicon is the most commonly used semiconductor material for PV cells.; The output of a solar cell is inherently Direct Current (DC).; An inverter is required to convert the output into Alternating Current (AC) for standard utility grids.

Advantages: Renewable and sustainable energy source; Low maintenance and silent operation

Disadvantages: Intermittent energy availability (daylight only); Requires significant land area for large-scale utility projects

Applications: Residential rooftop solar power systems; Spacecraft and satellite power supplies

Additional Info: The original answer provided (Chemical energy) is incorrect. Chemical energy is the output of photosynthesis or batteries, whereas Photovoltaic conversion is explicitly electrical.. Option B (Biogas) relates to biochemical conversion of organic waste.. Option D (Geothermal) relates to heat stored beneath the Earth's crust.

Answer: C is correct — Photovoltaic energy conversion is the process of generating electricity directly from sunlight.

Exam Tip: Always distinguish between 'Photovoltaic' (light to electricity) and 'Solar Thermal' (light to heat to electricity) systems.

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