Cells are actually small power plants that get electric energy from chemical reactions. You can build your own simple cells, called electrochemical cells, using a variety of fruits and vegetables, for example, you can make electricity from a potato;
...or, you can make a light from salt water:
Photovoltaic cells (PV cells)
A photovoltaic cell is an electric device that converts the energy of light (the sun or artificial light) directly to electricity. Another name for a photovoltaic cell is a solar cell.
How a solar panel works:
Solar cells are made of the same kinds of semiconductor materials as silicon. This semiconductor wafer is treated to form an electric field that is positive on the one side and negative on the other. When light falls on the solar cell, electrons are knocked loose from the atoms in the semiconductor material. If conductors are attached to the positive and negative side, an electric current is formed.
The following video explains the process really well:
YouTube
Think about it:
A solar panel absorbs the sun's rays to use them as a source of energy.
- Think of the advantages of solar cells: does solar energy create any pollution? Is it cost effective? What are the advantages of solar cells?
- Think of the disadvantages of the solar cells. Is it able to produce enough electricity for large demand? Are solar panels pleasing to the eye? How much are is required to absorb enough sun energy?
Bibliography & Extra reading:
- Experiments in electrochemistry
- Fruits and Vegs to produce electricity
- Solar cells
- Photovoltaics
- Solar power
- How does solar power work?
- How do photovoltaics work?
I love How Stuff Works. Even though I usually have to remind myself all the time how stuff actually works because as I get older I have the memory of a goldfish.
I have not seen your posts before but this is a great idea!
Look forward to following you.
Thanks!
I am going to ReSteem this, if for no other reason than to remind me to look at your stuff.
I agree with your comment 100%. :)
Well if someone finds it interesting, then I have succeeded in my goal.
Thanks a lot
I have a solar set up for my greenhouse, you have me thinking I should wire up the potatoes I grow.
Interesting! Why not give it a shot and let me know ;)
I would rather eat them. :)
i have once heard about the possibility of generating electricity from potatoes but somehow, i didnt think of trying it out, seeing your post, i am definately going to try it one of these days
That's great! You'd be pleased with the results.
Thanks for dropping by
There are so many ways to produce energy... It is a shame to see somany people shackled to power grids that help keep them wage slaves!
? power goes out and the company are not responsible for damage or never have to make restitution. power flickers and people miss alarm/late for work who's fault/blamed/fired? People freeze to death because it is illegal to have wood heat,ect any more as a backup.
no liability or responsibility.. just profits!!!
Domesticated humans kept in ignorance related chains of slavery. truly sad.
Namaste
Solar cells are great.
They are getting much more efficient.
LOVE the Ghost, how'd you do that brother??
You mean the signature?
Yes that's pretty cool
http://www.gif-mania.net/animated-signatures/
Sweet, thank you brother I followed you
This is a food experiment on how to go Green, I find it very interesting - Good work
Hi! I am a robot. I just upvoted you! I found similar content that readers might be interested in:
https://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2002/solarcells/