Photovoltaics are devices that convert which form of energy into electricity?

Photovoltaics are devices that convert which form of energy into electricity?

• A. Wind energy
• B. Nuclear energy
• C. Solar energy
• D. Thermal energy

Answer: (C)

Photovoltaics convert light energy into electrical energy. When sunlight shines on a solar cell made of semiconductor material, photons transfer their energy to electrons, creating charge carriers. The device’s internal electric field then separates these carriers and drives them as current in an external circuit. This direct conversion of light to electricity is why photovoltaics are tied to solar energy. In contrast, wind energy needs moving air to turn turbines, nuclear energy comes from atomic reactions that heat fluids, and thermal energy is heat used to drive other processes—none of which is a direct light-to-electricity conversion.

Photovoltaics convert light energy into electrical energy. When sunlight shines on a solar cell made of semiconductor material, photons transfer their energy to electrons, creating charge carriers. The device’s internal electric field then separates these carriers and drives them as current in an external circuit. This direct conversion of light to electricity is why photovoltaics are tied to solar energy. In contrast, wind energy needs moving air to turn turbines, nuclear energy comes from atomic reactions that heat fluids, and thermal energy is heat used to drive other processes—none of which is a direct light-to-electricity conversion.