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Chapter 21: Problem 24

In your own words, briefly describe the phenomenon of photoconductivity.

Short Answer

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#Short_Answer# Photoconductivity is a phenomenon where a material's electrical conductivity increases when exposed to light, as the light's energy causes electrons to move into a higher energy state and become more mobile. Common photoconductive materials include silicon, germanium, and other semiconductor materials. Photoconductivity has various applications such as solar cells for converting sunlight to electricity, photoresistors for light sensing, and photodetectors in devices like cameras and security systems.

Step by step solution

01

Define Photoconductivity

Photoconductivity is a phenomenon in which a material's electrical conductivity (the ability to carry an electric current) increases when it is exposed to light.
02

Explain How Photoconductivity Works

When a material is exposed to light (specifically photons), it can absorb energy from the light. This energy can cause electrons in the material to become excited, moving them into a higher energy state. As a result of this transition, the electrons become more mobile, causing an increase in electric current in the material. Once the light source is removed, the electrons slowly return to their original lower energy state, and the material's conductivity returns to its initial level.
03

Give Examples of Photoconductive Materials

Some common photoconductive materials include silicon, germanium, and other semiconductor materials. These materials are capable of absorbing a range of light wavelengths, making them suitable for various applications involving the conversion of light energy into an electrical signal.
04

Discuss Applications of Photoconductivity

Photoconductivity has many practical applications, including in solar cells, photoresistors, and photodetectors. Solar cells, for instance, use photoconductivity to convert sunlight into electricity, while photoresistors and photodetectors are used for sensing and measuring light levels in numerous devices, such as cameras and security systems.

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