How Solar Cells Work: A Comprehensive Guide for Further Education

Question 1

In solar cells, which material is most commonly used as the semiconductor?

Accepted Answer

Silicon

Answer

Germanium

Answer

Gallium arsenide

Answer

Copper indium gallium selenide

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a step in the process of solar cell electricity generation?

Accepted Answer

Ionization of the semiconductor material

Answer

Absorption of photons by semiconductor materials

Answer

Creation of an electron-hole pair

Answer

Migration of charge carriers to opposite electrodes

Question 3

What is the primary semiconductor material used in most commercial solar cells?

Accepted Answer

Silicon

Answer

Gallium arsenide

Answer

Cadmium telluride

Answer

Copper indium gallium selenide

Question 4

In terms of spectral response, which part of the electromagnetic spectrum is solar cell technology most sensitive to?

Accepted Answer

Visible light region

Answer

Ultraviolet region

Answer

Infrared region

Answer

X-ray region

Question 5

The maximum efficiency achievable by a single-junction solar cell under standard test conditions is limited by:

Accepted Answer

Shockley-Queisser limit

Answer

Perovskite limit

Answer

Landau limit

Answer

Carnot limit

Question 6

Which of the following is a type of solar cell configuration that improves light absorption and reduces reflection?

Accepted Answer

Interdigitated back-contact solar cell

Answer

Back-contact solar cell

Answer

Heterojunction solar cell

Answer

Tandem solar cell

Question 7

What is the purpose of an anti-reflection coating on a solar cell?

Accepted Answer

To enhance light absorption

Answer

To reduce cell temperature

Answer

To increase carrier lifetime

Answer

To improve electrical conductivity

Question 8

Which of the following is a key characteristic of monocrystalline silicon solar cells?

Accepted Answer

High efficiency

Answer

Low cost

Answer

Amorphous structure

Answer

Flexible design

Question 9

Which of the following is a potential advantage of using organic solar cells?

Accepted Answer

Low production cost

Answer

High energy conversion efficiency

Answer

Long lifespan

Answer

Resistance to degradation

Question 10

How does the absorption of photons in a solar cell result in the creation of charge carriers?

Accepted Answer

Photons transfer energy to electrons, allowing them to cross the bandgap and enter the conduction band, forming free charge carriers.

Answer

Photons bounce off the cell's surface, contributing to charge carrier generation.

Answer

Photon absorption raises the cell's temperature, producing charge carriers.

Answer

Charge carriers arise when the cell's voltage increases due to photon absorption.

Question 11

Which material is predominantly used in the manufacture of commercial solar cells?

Accepted Answer

Crystalline silicon

Answer

Copper indium gallium selenide

Answer

Cadmium telluride

Answer

Gallium arsenide

Question 12

What fundamental physical effect underlies the operation of a solar cell?

Accepted Answer

Photovoltaic effect

Answer

Magnetostrictive effect

Answer

Piezoelectric effect

Answer

Thermoelectric effect

Question 13

Which component is not typically found in the basic structure of a solar cell?

Accepted Answer

Reflector

Answer

Semiconductor material

Answer

Anti-reflective coating

Answer

Electrical contacts

Question 14

What is the primary function of the p-n junction within a solar cell?

Accepted Answer

To generate an electric field that separates charge carriers

Answer

To absorb sunlight

Answer

To conduct electricity

Question 15

What type of electrical current is produced by a solar cell?

Accepted Answer

Direct current (DC)

Answer

Alternating and direct current (AC/DC)

Answer

Alternating current (AC)

Question 16

What is the approximate theoretical maximum efficiency for a single-junction solar cell?

Accepted Answer

33.7%

Answer

25%

Answer

50%

Question 17

Which material is most frequently used as the semiconductor layer in commercially manufactured solar cells?

Accepted Answer

Silicon

Answer

Germanium

Answer

Gallium arsenide

Answer

Cadmiun telluride

Question 18

In a solar cell, which layer is specifically designed to collect the electrons produced by absorbed photons?

Accepted Answer

N-type semiconductor layer

Answer

P-N junction

Answer

Metal contact

Answer

Anti-reflection coating

Question 19

What is the main purpose of the anti-reflection coating applied to the surface of a solar cell?

Accepted Answer

Reduce light reflection and increase light absorption

Answer

Enhance charge carrier recombination

Answer

Increase the electrical conductivity of the cell

Answer

Protect the cell from environmental factors

Question 20

In a solar cell, what is the primary function of the metal contact?

Accepted Answer

Collect and conduct the generated electrical current

Answer

Generate charge carriers

Answer

Reflect excess light

Answer

Absorb sunlight

Question 21

Which type of solar cell technology is known for its high efficiency and stability, but also its higher manufacturing cost?

Accepted Answer

Crystalline silicon solar cells

Answer

Thin-film solar cells

Answer

Organic solar cells

Answer

Perovskite solar cells

Question 22

What is a key advantage of thin-film solar cells compared to crystalline silicon cells?

Accepted Answer

Lower manufacturing costs and enhanced flexibility

Answer

Reduced environmental impact

Answer

Improved durability and longevity

Answer

Higher energy conversion efficiency