PHOTOELECTRIC EFFECT

What are solar panels?

Marisha Van Der Linden Barbara Parker Ticita Kavanagh Steven Jennings

What is quantum physics?

Quantum physics is a branch of science that deals with discrete, indivisible units of energy called quanta as described by the Quantum Theory.
The Quantum Theory originated with Planck in the first year of the 20th century.

There are five main ideas represented in Quantum Theory:

1. Energy is not continuous, but comes in small but discrete units. 2. The elementary particles behave both like particles and like waves. 3. The movement of these particles is inherently random. 4. It is physically impossible to know both the position and the momentum of a particle at the same time. The more precisely one is known, the less precise the measurement of the other is. 5. The atomic world is nothing like the world we live in.

 The Quantum Theory contains many clues as to the fundamental nature of the universe and is more important than even relatively in the grand scheme of things One important part of this theory is the photoelectric effect.

 The photoelectric effect is when electrons on a metallic surface get so excited and gain so much energy from light waves that they jump out of the hold of the atom and are released. The released electrons could be harnessed into an electric current. These electrons that are emitted are called photo electrons.

The Laws of Photoelectric Effect

Depending on the metal and the frequency of the light, the number of photoelectrons released is proportional to the intensity of the light. There is a threshold in all metallic elements that a certain frequency of light must have in order to emit photoelectrons this is called the threshold frequency.

The maximum amount of energy that a photoelectron can emit is dependent on the frequency not the intensity of the light.

 An application of this energy is through the use of solar cells.

So how do solar cells work?

The cuprous oxide on the copper is a semiconductor and a insulator these properties create a gap called bandgap between electrons. Electron can not stay in the bandgap they must gain or lose energy forcing the electron further away from the nucleus or closer to it.

When the sunlight hits the cuprous oxide some of the electron gain enough energy to jump the bandgap and become free to conduct electricity.

 The free electrons move to the salt water then into the second copper plate, through the wire to the meter and back to the cuprous oxide plate. As the electron move through the meter they perform the work necessary to move the need forward but when a shadow is cast that mean les energy is being given to the electron for the cuprous oxide therefore less electrons are traveling through thus the meter hand drops.

Applications of solar cells

A group of solar cells create a panel. These panels are then grouped together through simple or parallel circuits, which are known as photovoltaic (PV) modules. The energy is created is used for residential, commercial, institutional and light industrial applications. One famous celebrity who is leading the green movement in Hollywood and even lives in a house with solar panels is Leonardo DiCaprio.

 This year, the famous Rockefeller Christmas Tree is being powered by solar panels.

For your interest, how to .

Make your very own Solar Cell

Materials needed sqft. of copper flashing from hardware store. Two alligator clip leads for your ammeter. Sensitive micro-ammeter that can read between 10-50 micro-ammeters An electrics stove top </1100watts. Table salt NaCl Tap water Sand paper or wire brush Sheet metal shears

 First wash your hands to remove oils and greases. Cut copper sheet so that it covers the stove burner. Ensure that the copper has no oils or grease on it by washing with soap and water. Then use sandpaper or wire brush to remove any corrosion Once copper sheet is cleaned pace it on burner. When the burner is glowing red the copper will be coated with a black cupric oxide coat. Let it cook for hour so that the coating will be thick. This thick coating will co me off easier that a thinner one.

 Turn the burner off and allow the copper to cool for roughly 20 min. During this time the black oxide will actually separate itself from the copper a flake at a time. Once it is cooled and majority of the black oxide is gone gently rinse the remaining portion off DO NOT SCRUB some dark spots may remain. Cut another piece of copper about the same size as the first one. Gently bend both pieces and place into a plastic bottle or jar ensuring that the two pieces DO NOT touch and that the side that was facing up on the burner is facing out in the jar.

 Place the positive alligator clip lead to the clean or second copper plate and the negative lead to the cupric oxide piece of copper. Now mix 2 tbsp. of table salt and 2 cups of water. Pour the water into the contain making sure that you DONT get the leads wet. Fill so that at least an inch of copper is left un-submerged.

Output
Produces 50 microaps at .025 volts 12.5 micro watts Can be used as a light meter Would take acres of these to light your home Takes 80 s2q.metersto light a 100 watt bulb

 http://www.physlink.com/Education/Ask Experts/ae24.cfm?CFID=24004457&CF TOKEN=97488674 http://www.hpwt.de/Quantene/ htm http://www.colorado.edu/physics/2000/q uantumzone/photoelectric.html