Why do solar panels generate electricity?
Show answer & explanation
Answer: Photons knock electrons loose
Photons knock electrons loose ✓ — Correct! Solar panels work through the photovoltaic effect. They're made of semiconductor materials (usually silicon) with two layers. When photons (light particles) from sunlight hit the panel, they transfer energy to electrons in the atoms. This energy knocks electrons loose, creating free electrons. The panel's structure creates an electric field that pushes these electrons to flow in one direction - that's electricity! No moving parts needed!
Sun's magnetism pulls electrons — Wrong. Solar panels don't use magnetism. They generate electricity when photons from sunlight knock electrons loose in semiconductor materials, creating an electrical current through the photovoltaic effect.
Light pressure moves turbines — Wrong. Solar panels have no moving parts or turbines. They generate electricity directly when light photons knock electrons loose in the semiconductor material - this is called the photovoltaic effect.