A 0.20-{m}× 0.20-{m} photovoltaic solar cell is irradiated with 800 {W} / {m}^{2} sunlight of wavelength 500 nm. (a) Determine the number of photons hitting the cell each second. (b) Determine the maximum possible electric current that could be produced. (c) Explain how a solar cell converts the energy of sunlight into electric energy.
a) 3.26× 10^{21} photons/s, 2.57× 10^{-3} A, Photons excite electrons, creating a current.
b) 6.52× 10^{21} photons/s, 5.14× 10^{-3} A, Electrons absorb photons, producing a current.
c) 3.26× 10^{21} photons/s, 5.14× 10^{-3} A, Photons ionize the semiconductor material, creating a current.
d) 6.52× 10^{21} photons/s, 2.57× 10^{-3} A, Electrons in the semiconductor material move freely, creating a current.