Question

Solar cells are made of
A. Conductors
B. Insulator
C. Semiconductors
D. Superconductors

Answer 1

Hint: The conversion of energy coming out of the Sun that is solar energy to the electrical energy which can be explained by the photovoltaic effect. For this, we require a material that will absorb photons and transfer the energy to electrons present in the semiconductors. These electrons flow as electric current. Later, this electric current acts as a source of electrical energy.

Complete step by step answer:
When the sun rays strike the surface of a solar cell, it can be reflected, absorbed or it can be transmitted. For a solar cell, we require a material which can absorb photons effectively. The semiconductors have the properties of both metals and insulators. That is the reason semiconductors are efficient in converting light energy into electrical energy.
There are many types of semiconductors which can be used for this. Silicon is widely used for making solar cells. The silicon semiconductors have properties such as low weight volume ratio, strength and robustness and they have an extended life cycle. The semiconductors made from silicon have very low cost as compared to other semiconductors. Silicon is the abundantly available material. Hence silicon is used for making the solar cell.
Therefore, the correct answer is C.

Note:A solar cell is a device that converts the energy of light into the energy in the form of electricity. Unlike other cells, solar cells do not use any reactions or require fuels to produce electrical energy. The solar cell utilises the energy coming out of the Sun in the form of light to electrical energy.