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A Levels Physics (9702)•9702/12/O/N/23
Question 33 from 9702/12/O/N/23

Explanation

Photovoltaic voltage decreases with reduced light intensity Steps:

  • Identify the setup as a solar cell circuit, where light generates a positive voltage reading on the voltmeter.
  • Recall that solar cell voltage output increases with light intensity due to more photoexcited charge carriers.
  • Determine that decreasing light intensity reduces charge carrier generation, lowering voltage.
  • Note that keeping temperature unchanged isolates the light effect without temperature's opposing influence.

Why A is correct:

  • Per the photovoltaic effect, lower light intensity means fewer photons excite electrons, reducing the built-in potential and voltage output.

Why the others are wrong:

  • B: Combines light decrease (lowers voltage) with temperature increase (also lowers voltage), confounding the isolated cause.
  • C: Temperature decrease raises solar cell voltage by widening the bandgap, increasing the reading.
  • D: Temperature decrease raises voltage, offsetting the light-induced drop for an uncertain net effect.

Final answer: A

Topic: Photoelectric effect

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