Photoelectric Effect
In this activity, you'll explore the photoelectric effect - light that strikes the reactive surface of a photoelectric material and knocks electrons out of their orbit. In order to return to their ground state, the electrons must travel an external circuit. That movement can be measured by a multimeter.
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1. Roll a sheet of opaque paper into a tube and secure it with tape. 2. Use thin pieces of tape to attach a solar cell to an index card. Position the tape on the edges of the cell to prevent the tape from obstructing the cell surface. 3. Attach connecting wires to the two terminals of the solar cell. 4. Position the card and attached cell onto one end of the tube. Position the solar cell on the inside of the tube, with the connecting wires extend out of the tube. 5. Attach the solar cell wires to the leads of a multimeter. 6. Dim the room. Place a sheet of opaque construction paper over the open end of the tube so that no light enters. 7. Switch on the multimeter and set its function to measure volts. Record any voltage generated by the cell. 8. Remove the construction paper. What happens to the generated voltage? 9. Turn up the room lights. What happens to the generated voltage? 10. Aim the tube opening at a light source. Does this affect the measured voltage? |
