Question

Layers of silicon that directly convert sunlight into an electric current are known as:

a) Photovoltaic layers
b) Electron layers
c) Conductive layers
d) Semiconductor layers

Answer 1

Layers of silicon that convert sunlight into an electric current are called photovoltaic layers, which are part of solar cells made primarily from silicon. These cells transform solar energy into electric energy, producing a current when exposed to sunlight.

Step-by-step explanation:

Layers of silicon that directly convert sunlight into an electric current are known as photovoltaic layers. These layers are a component of solar cells, which are devices typically made of metal and semiconductors. When photons of light hit the solar cell, the semiconductor material, such as silicon, can generate free electrons due to the energy provided by the light. This process is key in producing a current as these free electrons move through the crystalline structure to the external circuit.

Solar cells operate by transforming solar energy into electric energy through the photoelectric effect, which occurs when the energy of photons is greater than the energy gap of the solar cell material. This energy gap is known as the band gap for silicon and is approximately 1.1 eV. With typical single-crystal cells, under bright noon sunlight, a current of about 100 mA/cm² of cell surface area is produced.