A solar cell is a device that produces electrical power when light shines on it. You are given a solar cell connected to a fixed resistor, as in the incomplete circuit shown in Fig. 4.1. The power of the cell can be determined from the equation: power = current \times voltage. Extra apparatus available includes a lamp connected to a power supply, a metre rule, a voltmeter, an ammeter and connecting leads. Any other equipment normally found in a school laboratory may also be used.
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Plan an experiment to investigate how the brightness of the light falling on the solar cell affects the electrical power output of the solar cell. In your plan, describe how you will vary the brightness of the light falling on the solar cell; indicate how the voltmeter and ammeter are used (you may draw on Fig. 4.1 to help your explanation); state any variable(s) that you will keep constant; draw a table, with column headings, to show how you will present your measurements (you do not need to fill in any measurements); explain how you will use your measurements to reach a conclusion.
Worked solution & mark scheme
This 6-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: “MP1: Explain how to change the light intensity incident on the solar cell” …