PHOTOCONDUCTIVITY Meaning and
Definition
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Photoconductivity is a phenomenon occurring in certain materials whereby their electrical conductivity is altered due to the absorption of light energy. It refers to the property of a substance to become more conductive when illuminated by light. This property is highly dependent on the electronic structure and energy levels of the material.
When light of suitable intensity and wavelength strikes a photoconductive material, it excites the electrons, causing them to jump from the valence band to the conduction band, thereby increasing the number of charge carriers and enhancing the material's electrical conductivity. This change in conductivity allows the material to conduct electric current more efficiently.
Photoconductivity is commonly observed in semiconductors, such as silicon and germanium, where the absorption of light results in the generation of electron-hole pairs. For instance, when photons are absorbed, they create electron-hole pairs, where the electron is promoted to the conduction band and the hole is left behind in the valence band. These mobile charge carriers allow the passage of electric current through the material.
This property finds numerous applications, particularly in electronic devices and sensors. Photoconductive materials are employed in photodetectors, solar cells, imaging devices, and optoelectronic devices. By harnessing the photoconductivity of certain materials, it is possible to convert light energy into electrical energy and exploit the conductivity changes for various practical purposes.
Common Misspellings for PHOTOCONDUCTIVITY
- ohotoconductivity
- lhotoconductivity
- -hotoconductivity
- 0hotoconductivity
- pgotoconductivity
- pbotoconductivity
- pnotoconductivity
- pjotoconductivity
- puotoconductivity
- pyotoconductivity
- phitoconductivity
- phktoconductivity
- phltoconductivity
- phptoconductivity
- ph0toconductivity
- ph9toconductivity
- phoroconductivity
- phofoconductivity
- phogoconductivity
Etymology of PHOTOCONDUCTIVITY
The word "photoconductivity" is derived from two main roots: "photo-" and "conductivity".
The prefix "photo-" originates from the Greek word "phos" (φῶς), meaning "light". This is commonly seen in words related to light and its properties, such as "photograph", "photovoltaic", and "photography". In the context of "photoconductivity", the prefix suggests the involvement of light or its interaction with a material.
The word "conductivity" stems from the Latin word "conductus", which means "to lead" or "to bring together". In the scientific context, "conductivity" refers to the ability of a material to conduct or carry an electric current. It is derived from the verb "conducere", meaning "to lead" or "to bring together".
Similar spelling words for PHOTOCONDUCTIVITY
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