Chapter 1: Physics Overview of Solar Energy

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingOther chapter contribution

    Abstract

    Undoubtedly the most important factor in the study of solar energy is the sun, the local star and the gravitational stake to which the earth is tethered. The standard theories of particle physics and cosmology describe the Big Bang as the moment of creation of space, time, matter, and energy. In thermodynamics, the universe is divided into two parts, the system under consideration and its surroundings. All exchanges between system and surroundings are done across a boundary, the real or effective surface separating the two. In the photovoltaic effect, like in the photoelectric effect, light energy is absorbed by electrons, but, unlike in the photoelectric effect, the electrons are not ejected from the semiconductor. The photosynthetic mechanism absorbs light energy by using pigments, especially chlorophyll (Chl) molecules. Photosynthetic organisms only need 1% of the solar spectrum to provide enough biomass and oxygen to support life on earth.

    Original languageAmerican English
    Title of host publicationNatural and Artificial Photosynthesis: Solar Power as an Energy Source
    EditorsReza Razeghifard
    PublisherJohn Wiley & Sons, Inc.
    Chapter1
    Pages1-12
    Number of pages488
    ISBN (Electronic)978-1-118-65975-5
    ISBN (Print)978-1-118-16006-0
    StatePublished - Oct 1 2013

    Publication series

    NameChemistry and Physics Faculty Books and Book Chapters

    Keywords

    • Light
    • Photosynthesis
    • Photovoltaic Effect
    • Physics
    • Solar Energy
    • Sun
    • Thermodynamics

    Disciplines

    • Physics

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