Many people are using solar power as a source of energy for their homes. Solar power can be used to heat water or to supply electricity. Have you ever noticed solar panels on homes and buildings? Have you ever wondered how solar energy is converted to electrical energy? In the next set of lessons, we examine the process that is used to achieve this energy conversion.

The use of solar cells to supply electricity.

Optional Video: Why Light is Quantum

Key Concepts

Photoelectric effect:

• Description of the photoelectric effect.
• Give the significance of the photoelectric effect.
• Definition of the cut-off frequency.
• Definition of the work function and that it is material specific
• The relationship between the cutt-off frequency and maximum wavelength.
• Calculations using the photoelectric equation.
• Knowing the relationship between the number of electrons and intensity of the incident radiation.
• Understanding the nature between the photoelectric effect and the particle of nature of light.

Emission and absorption spectra:

• Explanation of the source atomic emission spectra and their unique relationship to each element.
• Relation between the atomic spectrum and the electron transitions between energy levels.
• Explaining the difference between atomic absorption and emission spectra.
• Applications of emission and absorption spectra.