In my science class we had an experiment with solar cells.  This experiment was based on photovoltaic effect.  That is why sometimes a solar cell is called a photovoltaic cell.  Basically a solar cell is a device that directly converts sun light into the electricity.  Nowadays, this device is very popular, because people have become more concerned about environmental problems.  Solar cells do not produce greenhouse gases, which are very harmful for our planet.  Therefore people have started using solar panels much often to produce electricity.

For our experiment we had a solar cell, a flashlight, and different filters.  The goal of our laboratory was to figure out how the distance between the solar cell and light affects voltage, and then how filters affect voltage.  Here is the data from my experiment:

1. Experiment (Distance vs Voltage)

Distance =0, Voltage =0.40978

Distance =5, Voltage = 0.20578

Distance =10, Voltage = 0.0789

Distance =15, Voltage = 0.03876

 

 

1. Experiment (Filters vs Voltage), distance=0

Blue, voltage = 0.34765

Red, voltage = 0.23487

Yellow, voltage = 0.28796

Purple, voltage = 0.20967

 

In conclusion, our first experiment showed that the more far the light from the solar cell, less electricity is produced.  The second experiment showed that different filters have different effects on voltage; for example, the blue one had less resistance to the light.

 

 

 

 

 

Boston Museum of Science was founded in 1830 as the Boston Society of Natural History, and many collections were presented there by society.  In 1864 the museum was opened in a new building in the Back Bay as New England Museum of Natural History.  Then after the World War 11 the museum was reestablished in different place as Boston Museum of Science.  Now the museum is one of the most interesting sights in Boston.  Almost all tourists that visit Boston go to visit the museum.  It is expectable, because Boston’s Museum of Science has made its exhibits very interesting and up to date.  For example, one of the latest developments in the world is alternative energy.  Therefore, the museum has exhibit called “Catching the Wind”

Boston’s Museum of Science launched exhibit “Catching the Wind” in 2009. There are nine wind turbines, and there are five different sizes of turbines on a rooftop of the museum. Since 2009 all the data had been collected and analyzed to form statistics about the turbines. It helped and still helps to compare the performance and improve the turbines overall. All the data is being collected live, and visitors can see it right away and learn about wind turbines and energy technology. Although the turbines provide electricity for the museum, it can cover only an insignificant part because turbines are small. In 2010, the turbines produced 4,409 kWh of clean energy, which is 60% of what an average Massachusetts home consumed a year in 2009. Also, the Museum’s Wind Lab did not experience any noise issues or vibrations. Overall in past 4 years exhibit “Catching the Wind” help not only to attract more visitors, but also to collect important data, which played a significant role in turbine improvement.

In conclusion, Museum of Science in Boston is a great place with huge history and many interesting exhibits that are contemporary.  “Catching the Wind” is one of these exhibits, which not only help to attract people but also to improve turbines.

Sources

“Catching the Wind.” Museum of Science, Boston. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Mar. 2013