Electricity from the sun
The solar cell changes sunlight directly into electrical energy, which can in turn be used for something else. It is not very efficient, but the source of energy is free! Connect the Voltage/Current probe to your handheld computer. Refer to Technical Hints to connect the Voltage/Current probe.
Start the software to read voltage.
Hook the solar cell to the voltage probe. Try it under different light conditions, such as a light bulb, direct sunlight, and indirect light from the sky. Stop the software and save your data.
What were the best and worst light sources? Record your observations in Notes on your handheld computer.
Team up with another group and connect two solar cells in parallel, using the clip leads.
Mount them on a cart at an angle so that they face toward bright sunlight. Clip the leads to the motor.
Is there enough power to drive the air cart? What energy transformations are happening there? How efficient do you think each step is? Record your thoughts in Notes on your handheld computer.
