Question

Why is e = hv important in pv cell considerations?

Answer 1

The equation E = hv is important in PV cell considerations because it explains how the energy of a photon is directly proportional to its frequency, which determines whether an electron can be knocked loose to contribute to the electrical current in a PV cell.

Step-by-step explanation:

The equation E = hv, where E represents the energy of a photon, h is Planck's constant, and v is the frequency of the photon, is crucial in understanding the functioning of photovoltaic (PV) cells. This relationship is important because it shows that the energy of the photons striking the PV cell is quantized and directly proportional to the frequency of the light. PV cells convert light energy into electrical energy, and the threshold energy level, known as the band gap, is pivotal. Silicon, commonly used in PV cells, has a band gap of 1.1 eV; a photon must have at least this much energy to knock an electron from the valence band to the conduction band. If these electrons reach the PV cell's junction, they are swept across and contribute to the electrical current, thereby generating power.

Efficiency in PV cells corresponds to the usual chance that an incoming photon will have sufficient energy to liberate an electron and ultimately lead to a current. Overvoltages are necessary in electrolytic processes because of the required additional driving force to overcome barriers, similar to those faced by electrons in a PV cell. Design considerations for PV cells focus on maximizing the conversion of photon energy to useful current by leveraging the E = hv relationship.

Answer 2

E=hv is an equation important when dealing with light. E refers to the energy of a photon; h is Planck's constant and v is the wavelength. According to this equation, light particles called photons travels in packets of energy. This is important in pv cells because this is the technology used to harness solar energy which is converted to electricity. The amount of energy should be estimated to know the appropriate material of construction of the pv cell to achieve optimum conditions. In this way, the pv cell could maximize the sun's energy.