Question

Recommend the types of materials that should be used in the following cases and also justify recommendation based on mechanical, physical and chemical properties.

(i)             For the design of solar cell which is used as a new alternative source of energy.

(ii)            For the manufacture of wires which cause a minimum loss of power in electric circuits.

Answer 1

Answer:-

(i). For the design of solar cell which is used as a new alternative source of energy:

▪Material used- Silicon or crystalline silicon. It is also known as solar grade silicon.

▪ Silicon is easily available on earth surface like oxygen. Most of the computer and mobile chips are generally made up of silicon.

▪ These solar grade silicon are made up of silicon atoms which are attached with each other by formation of Crystal lattice structure . These lattice formed structure helps to convert light into electricity more efficiently.

▪ These silicon based solar cells has high efficiency, is inexpensive and has long lifetime.

(ii) For the manufacturer of wires which causes minimum loss of power in electrical circuits:

▪ Material used- platinum, silver, iron, copper,aluminum,gold and other alloys. Mainly copper is used for minimum loss of power in circuit.

▪ Copper holds property of best electrical conductivity in comparison to other metals except silver. It is used over silver as it is inexpensive in comparison to silver.

▪ Copper also holds property of high ductility. It means it can easily be bended and flexed.