Questions: Which of the following is the most common type of semiconductor found in photovoltaic cells?
Arsenic
Carbon
Uranium
Silicon
Hydrogen
Transcript text: Which of the following is the most common type of semiconductor found in photovoltaic cells?
Arsenic
Carbon
Uranium
Silicon
Hydrogen
Solution
Solution Steps
Step 1: Identify the Common Semiconductor Materials
Photovoltaic cells, commonly known as solar cells, are devices that convert light into electricity using the photovoltaic effect. The most common materials used in these cells are semiconductors, which have properties between conductors and insulators.
Step 2: Determine the Most Common Semiconductor
Among the options provided, we need to identify which material is most commonly used in photovoltaic cells. Silicon is widely known as the most prevalent semiconductor material used in the production of solar cells due to its abundance, cost-effectiveness, and suitable electronic properties.
Step 3: Eliminate Other Options
Arsenic: Not commonly used as a primary semiconductor material in photovoltaic cells.
Carbon: While carbon-based materials like graphene are being researched, they are not the most common.
Uranium: Not used in photovoltaic cells; it is a radioactive element used in nuclear energy.
Hydrogen: Not a semiconductor material; it is a gas used in other energy applications.
Final Answer
The most common type of semiconductor found in photovoltaic cells is \(\boxed{\text{Silicon}}\).