During this experiment, we were given a solar cell in order to understand the relationship between light intensity and the voltage output of the solar cell. We also to explore the relationship between the wavelength of light and the voltage output of the solar cell. Before beginning the experiment, my partner Bryan and I made two hypothesizes. First, we predicted that as we increased the distance between the flash light and the solar cell, then the voltage output would decrease. We also made a prediction that a higher wavelength (for example; red)  would have a higher average voltage compared to lower wavelengths ( for example; blue ).

We began our experiments by testing the relationship between voltage and distance. We decided to test distances by increments of 2 cm. First we placed the solar cell face down that way it had no light exposure. Next we placed the flash light directly on the solar cell (0 cm distance). After that we used a ruler to measure how high to hold the flashlight from the solar cell. For each distance we held the flashlight in place for 10 seconds.

We used excel to calculate an average voltage for each trial. Below is a table with a corresponding graph of our finding for Voltage vs. Distance.

In conclusion, our original hypothesis was correct. As we increased the distance of the flashlight from the solar cell, the average voltage output decreased.

For the second part of our experiment, we were giving four different colored film filters (red, yellow, green, and blue). For each trial we would place a different colored film on top of the solar cell and then place the flashlight directly on top for 10 seconds.

We used excel again to calculate the average voltage for each color we tested. Below is a table of our data and a corresponding graph.

In conclusion from our data in this experiment, we discovered that higher wavelengths have a higher average voltage. Yellow being the highest, followed by red then green. Our hypothesis was fairly right in this experiment; the color blue (lower wavelength) had the lowest average voltage. Blue is one of the lowest wavelengths.

Overall, I really enjoyed this experiment because it was an interesting way to learn about solar cells.  Bryan and I learned from this activity that the farther away a light source is from the solar cell, the less voltage output. Also that colors with higher wavelengths on the spectrum, such as yellow and red have a high voltage output as well. This experiment was interesting because you can compare our results and relate them to actual renewable solar energy sources.