Question

The energy band gap of GaAs is 1.4eV. calculate the optimum wavelength of light for photovoltaic generation in a GaAs solar cell.

Answer 1

λ = 8.88 x 10⁻⁷ m = 888 nm

Step-by-step explanation:

The energy band gap is given as:

Energy Gap = E = 1.4 eV

Converting this to Joules (J)

E = (1.4 eV)(1.6 x 10⁻¹⁹ J/1 eV)

E = 2.24 x 10⁻¹⁹ J

The energy required for photovoltaic generation is given as:

E = hc/λ

where,

h = Plank's Constant = 6.63 x 10⁻³⁴ J.s

c = speed of light = 3 x 10⁸ m/s

λ = wavelength of light = ?

Therefore,

2.24 x 10⁻¹⁹ J = (6.63 x 10⁻³⁴ J.s)(3 x 10⁸ m/s)/λ

λ = (6.63 x 10⁻³⁴ J.s)(3 x 10⁸ m/s)/(2.24 x 10⁻¹⁹ J)

λ = 8.88 x 10⁻⁷ m = 888 nm