Student will to determine that they need three 0.5 volt solar cells to make a 1.5 volt light work correctly. Students also need to know that we see colors because certain frequencies of light are reflected while all others are absorbed. The atmosphere is transparent to all the frequencies of the visible spectrum. Transparent objects allow light to pass through essentially unimpeded. Translucent objects scatter the light.
Opaque objects absorb and reflect light.
Determine what effect various coverings have on the output of solar cells. Activity Solar energy can be converted into electricity, and electricity into a wide variety of other energy forms, including light. Using a solar array, students will engage in experiments to determine what happens when they place solar cells in the sun and then manipulate the energy received by the cells with various materials. As students discuss their findings, they should conclude that all frequencies of light allow greater generation of electric energy than a few frequencies. Using materials like wax paper, meshes, etc., they should demonstrate that obstructions reduce the amount of solar energy reaching the cells.