5
!You can do this practical exercise with adult supervision

Pages

1Where is Mars?2How long will it take to get to Mars?3Getting to Mars4How do rockets get off the ground?5Producing Thrust6What happens when rocket fuel burns?7Your mission to Mars!8Our need for oxygen9How oxygen gets to our cells10The effects of gravity11How low gravity affects bones12Preventing bones and muscles from becoming weak13Living and working in space14What do astronomers know about Mars?15A space-craft view of Mars16Exploring Mars17Energy for exploration18The rocky surface of Mars19More about the surface of Mars20The Martian atmosphere21The importance of water22The water cycle on Earth23Is there water on Mars?24Surviving on Mars25Your Martian home26Farming on Mars27Soil on Mars28Plants for Mars29Getting energy on Mars30Where will you go next?

Practicals

1Modelling the solar system in the school yard2Rocket Practical3Investigate the Energy in Fuels4Making a Telescope5What factors affect the output of a solar cell?6Modelling Diffusion7Examining Slides of Blood8What bones are like without calcium salts9Flame Test to Identify Metals10The Different States of Water11Water Purification for Human Consumption12Factors Affecting Germination13Solar Cells for Devices14Mars Bingo
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Practical 5

What factors affect the output of a solar cell?

This activity explores factors which affect the voltage output of a solar cell

Apparatus and materials

Each group will need

Safety

These safety points mainly tell you about hazard. You will need to think about the risk(s) this might pose, and how you can minimize the risk.

Method

First of all, switch off the lights in the room, or close blinds/curtains to ensure that the room is quite dark.

  1. Connect your solar panel to a voltmeter using the connecting leads.
  2. Switch on the lamp. Position it close to the solar cell, and measure the distance between them: record this in the table below.
  3. Now look at the voltmeter, and record the voltage indicated in your table (NB: if no voltage is registered, check your connecting leads, and/or inform your teacher).
  4. Now, move the lamp 10cm further away from the solar cell, using the metre ruler to measure distance. Repeat the voltage measurement, and add this to your table.
  5. Continue as above with a range of distances until voltage measured is very low.
    Distance between solar cell and lamp (cm) Voltage (Volts)

Discussion

Can you explain the results you obtained?

Can you think of other factors you could investigate that could affect the output of a solar cell?

In what sort of conditions do solar cells function best to generate electricity?

What sort of problems might there be in countries like Wales when using solar cells to produce electricity for homes and factories?