In order to do this lab, the materials that we needed were flashlight, color filter papers, computer, and a ruler. This lab helps the class understands how solar energy works and how we can use solar energy to produce electricity. In class, we were using the photo-voltaic method to produce electricity. The photo-voltaic method is one way to generate electricity by converting solar radiation into direct current electricity through a semiconductor. The light source from the flash light hits the color filter paper and cause a transfer in energy. Electrons are then emitted. The purpose of doing this lab is to investigate the relationship between light intensity and the voltage output of a solar cell.

The First part of the lab was to find the relationship between distance from the light source vs the voltage generated. The distance that we were using were no light, 5 cm, 15 cm, 25 cm, and finally 35 cm. The results that we found were expected. Without light, obviously it would generate less electricity. As the light source move further and further away, the less and less electricity it generates. Below is the Graph that represents the result of the first part of the experiment 🙂

For the second part of the experiment, we used color filter plastic paper to find the relationship between light intensity and the voltage produce. The colors that we picked were no filter, Teal, Blue, and Pink. Personally I would choose one other lighter color other than pink but those were the only ones left. From looking at the results that we got, I can conclude that the darker the color the less it generates electricity. The reason is because less light and solar energy actually get through the filter with the darker colors. Less solar energy = less electricity generate. The results are below: