Photovoltaic Cells: Harnessing Solar Energy for Electricity

Question 1

Which material is most commonly utilized in the fabrication of photovoltaic cells?

Accepted Answer

Silicon

Answer

Copper

Answer

Aluminum

Answer

Iron

Question 2

What is the fundamental process by which light energy is transformed into electrical energy in photovoltaic cells?

Accepted Answer

Photovoltaic effect

Answer

Photoelectric effect

Answer

Thermoelectric effect

Answer

Piezoelectric effect

Question 3

The typical efficiency range of commercial photovoltaic cells falls approximately within which interval?

Accepted Answer

10-20%

Answer

20-30%

Answer

30-40%

Answer

40-50%

Question 4

What is the primary function of an inverter in a photovoltaic system?

Accepted Answer

To convert DC to AC

Answer

To regulate voltage

Answer

To protect against overloads

Answer

To store energy

Question 5

Which physical principles govern the conversion of light into electricity in photovoltaic cells?

Accepted Answer

Einstein's photoelectric effect and Shockley-Queisser limit

Answer

Newton's laws of motion and Kirchhoff's laws

Answer

Ohm's law and Kirchhoff's laws

Answer

Faraday's law and thermodynamics

Question 6

Identify the main characteristics of the current-voltage (IV) curve for a photovoltaic cell.

Accepted Answer

Three distinct sections: short-circuit current, open-circuit voltage, and maximum power point.

Answer

Steady rise in current as voltage increases.

Answer

Downward slope across the entire curve.

Question 7

Examine the potential societal and economic impacts of widespread photovoltaic system implementation.

Accepted Answer

Increased job opportunities in manufacturing and installation.

Accepted Answer

Reduced dependence on non-renewable energy sources.

Accepted Answer

Potential land use conflicts.

Answer

No negative environmental consequences.

Question 8

Which semiconductor material is most commonly used in the production of photovoltaic cells?

Accepted Answer

Silicon

Answer

Copper

Answer

Platinum

Answer

Aluminum

Question 9

What is the fundamental scientific principle behind the operation of photovoltaic cells?

Accepted Answer

Photovoltaic effect

Answer

Electromagnetic induction

Answer

Piezoelectricity

Answer

Thermal expansion

Question 10

Which of the following factors has no impact on the efficiency of a photovoltaic cell?

Accepted Answer

Wind speed

Answer

Sunlight intensity

Answer

Cell temperature

Question 11

What is the primary application of photovoltaic cells?

Accepted Answer

Electricity generation from sunlight

Answer

Medical imaging

Answer

Battery charging

Answer

Water purification

Question 12

Which of the following is a key advantage of using photovoltaic cells compared to fossil fuels?

Accepted Answer

Zero greenhouse gas emissions during operation

Answer

Lower cost

Answer

Greater reliability

Answer

Higher efficiency

Question 13

What is the name of the semiconductor junction that enables photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight into electricity?

Accepted Answer

p-n junction

Answer

Metal-semiconductor junction

Answer

n-n+ junction

Answer

Schottky junction

Question 14

Which of the following is not a challenge associated with the use of photovoltaic cells?

Accepted Answer

No pollution concerns during operation

Answer

Intermittency

Answer

Environmental impact of manufacturing

Answer

Cost

Question 15

What is the industry standard metric used to quantify the efficiency of photovoltaic cells?

Accepted Answer

Percentage of incident sunlight converted to electricity

Answer

Current density

Answer

Voltage output under load

Question 16

Which of the following materials is used to improve the absorption of sunlight in photovoltaic cells?

Accepted Answer

Anti-reflective coating

Answer

Emitter layer

Answer

Insulating layer

Answer

Back contact

Question 17

What is the primary function of an inverter in a photovoltaic system?

Accepted Answer

Converts the DC output of the photovoltaic cells to AC

Answer

Protects against power surges

Answer

Stores excess energy

Answer

Regulates system voltage

Question 18

Which material is commonly used in the production of photovoltaic cells?

Accepted Answer

Silicon

Answer

Copper

Answer

Steel

Answer

Aluminum

Question 19

What is the purpose of the anti-reflective coating on a photovoltaic cell?

Accepted Answer

To maximize light absorption by reducing surface reflections

Answer

To enhance electrical conductivity and optimize current flow

Answer

To prevent glare and improve aesthetics

Answer

To protect the cell from physical damage and degradation

Question 20

A key advantage of utilizing photovoltaic cells in remote or off-grid locations is their ability to:

Accepted Answer

Provide electricity independently, without relying on grid infrastructure

Answer

Withstand harsh environmental conditions and extreme temperatures

Answer

Generate electricity at a lower cost compared to traditional sources

Question 21

The process by which photons interact with semiconductor materials in photovoltaic cells, leading to the generation of charge carriers, is known as:

Accepted Answer

Photovoltaic effect

Answer

Photoluminescence

Answer

Photoconductivity

Answer

Photosynthesis

Question 22

Which factor significantly impacts the efficiency and performance of photovoltaic cells?

Accepted Answer

Temperature

Answer

Humidity

Answer

Wind speed

Question 23

The approximate lifespan of a residential photovoltaic system, under typical operating conditions, is:

Accepted Answer

25-30 years

Answer

5-10 years

Answer

10-15 years

Answer

Less than 5 years

Question 24

One of the primary benefits of integrating photovoltaic cells with other renewable energy sources, such as wind or hydropower, is:

Accepted Answer

Enhanced reliability and resilience, ensuring a more stable and continuous power supply

Answer

Increased government incentives and financial support

Answer

Complete elimination of greenhouse gas emissions

Answer

Significantly reduced installation and maintenance costs