Image sensors and optical devices

Which phenomenon do solar cells use to generate electricity?

  1. APhotovoltaic effect
  2. BHall effect
  3. CSeebeck effect
Show answer and explanation

Answer: A. Photovoltaic effect

Solar cells use the photovoltaic effect: electron-hole pairs created by light falling on a PN junction are separated by the junction's built-in field, producing a voltage. The Hall effect is used to detect magnetic fields, and the Seebeck effect, a voltage from a temperature difference, is used in thermocouples.

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