Application of Photoelectric Effect

International Space Station (ISS)

By:Mohamad Faris Akif
 What is Photoelectric Effect?

Photoelectric effect is the emission of free electron from a metal surface

when a beam of light strikes it.
It happens when a metal surface is illuminated by a beam of light or
electromagnetic radiation at a certain frequency. Electron can be emitted
from the metal
 The charactheristics of photoelectric effect

Example in a photocell in the circuit

When a light sensitive metal surface (cathode) is

illuminated with a certain light beam, electrons will be
emitted fom the metal surface.
These electrons are called Photoelectrons.
 Photoelectric Effect
According to classical theory, light in wave form is a spectrum with continuous energy and
photoelectric effect should be able to occur at any light wave frequency. Bright light which
has high energy should be able to emit electrons quickly. Dim light has low energy so the
electrons need a longer time to absorb enough energy to escape from the metal surface.

The higher the frequency of the photon of light, the higher the kinetic energy of the
photoelectrons emitted from metal surface.

BELAJAR LAH
WOI
Pictures of International Space
Station
 Applications of Photoelectric Effect in the
International Space Station

The operation of the ISS (International Space Station) depends

ISS
on the source of electrical energy generated from solar panels.

Why using energy from solar panels?

This is because the NASA (National Advisory Committee for

Aeronautics) want to reduce from using petroleum-based fossil
fuels.This also can reduce greenhouse gases.So they are using
solar panels that can convert from the sun’s energy into
electricity. Solar energy has become the prime source of power
in the International Space Station as long as the Sun is out.
 The ISS has 16 wings of solar panels and each wing which measures
ISS
35m x 12m has 33 thousand solar cells. These panels are capable of
generating 84 -120 kW of electricity. The Sun’s light is very bright which
has high energy and should be able to emit electrons quickly.

The ISS has a big solar panels because it needs so much electricity. The
ISS only relies on the energy that generating from solar cells. When
solar panels don’t get the light of the Sun, the electricity will not
generate. As we know that the ISS is moving fastly around the Earth
under the freefall around our planet. So the solar cells need to generate
more electricity to provide continuous power during the eclipse part of
the orbit.
Photoelectric Effect Occurs

The Sun’s lights are absorbed by the semiconductors

that we call it solar cells. This is where the
photoelectrics occur when the semiconductors are
illuminated by a beam of light. So the electrons can be
emitted. Those electrons are now free to move and then
it can produce an electric field inside of the
semiconductors which can make use of the electricity
THANK YOU