Matthew Freeman 13B1 Physics Planning Exercise- June 08

candidate number: 2049 center number: 54349

AIM: To compare the energy conversion rates of a solar cell and a solar panel by measuring their useful power output to find out which is the more efficient. Equipment details of individual equipment at end. For both experiments: -Lamp, lamp holder, power supply. -A Dark room For Solar Cell: - voltmeter - ammeter - resistor of same value as internal resistance of cell -5 conector leads -solar cell For Solar Panel: - piping -spring balance -2 large beakers -2 thermometers -stopwatch ________________________ Safety Considerations Mains electricity powering lamp- the lamp and base should have passed a PATT test, so should be completely safe to use, however check for any bare wires that could be live BEFORE plugging in the lamp. If any danger can be seen, do NOT continue with the experiment. The lamp will get extremely hot. Be careful not to touch the lamp. Be aware of water leaking onto electrics Solar Cell Setting up equipment o Place solar cell horizontal on desk o Suspend lamp 50cm above the centre of the cell o Connect the resistor and meters as shown in diagram Method o Turn lamp ON o Adjust meters to give most accurate reading

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Matthew Freeman 13B1 o Record current and voltage Calculating Power Output Power = Current * Potential Difference

candidate number: 2049 center number: 54349

o Using the equation calculate the useful power output of the cell Solar Panel Set up equipment o Place solar panel horizontal on desk o Suspend lamp 50cm above the centre of the panel o Place the first beaker higher than the panel o Method o Measure the mass of water passing through the cell in 5 seconds Weigh beaker and record measurement Place beaker under waste pipe from the Panel for 5 seconds (use stopwatch) Weigh beaker again and record measurement o Turn lamp ON o Allow readings to settle o Record Tin and Tout Calculating Power Output o Calculate the mass in Kg per second of water flowing through the system Mass with water - Mass empty = Mass of water Divide by 5 to give the mass flowing through in 1 second. o Calculate the temperature increase between the water entering an leaving the panel Tin - Tout = T o By considering the experiment over a period of 1 second, the mass of water heated = flow rate. Then use the equations: Energy=Mass*Specific heat capacity*change in temperature -2-

Matthew Freeman 13B1

candidate number: 2049 center number: 54349

[Specific heat capacity of water=4184Jkg-1K-1]

Power = Work done / Time taken Flow rate = mass / time Combining these gives: Power= Flow rate * T * 4184 o This gives the power output of the panel in Watts (joules per second) cause by the lamp

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