Question

It is possible to convert radiant energy into electrical energy using photovoltaic cells. Assuming equal efficiency of conversion, would infrared or ultraviolet radiation yield more electrical energy on a per-photon basis?

Answer 1

Ultraviolet radiation would yield more electrical energy

Step-by-step explanation:

The reason for the ultraviolet to generate more energy is that there would be getting more electrons per unit of time the photovoltaic cell, due to the higher frequency of the ultraviolet in comparison with the infrared radiation.

The infrared spectrum goes from 300 GHz (10^9 Hertz) to 400 THz or (10^12 Hertz).

The ultraviolet spectrum goes from 800 THz to 30.000 THz or (10^12 Hertz). This kind of radiation is responsible for skin burn from the sun and it´s the “ most usable” part from the sunlight in a photovoltaic cell.