Internal Resistance: Causes in Cells & Solar Cells

[Cheman]

What causes internal resistance in the following:

A) A Cell,

B) A Solar Cell?

Is it not just the same thing? Thanks in advance.

 

[Andrew Mason]

What causes internal resistance in the following:

A) A Cell,

B) A Solar Cell?

Is it not just the same thing? Thanks in advance.

I think the difference is that a dry cell battery, being made up of conducting material, whereas a solar cell is a semiconductor. There are free electrons in a conductor. The conductivity of the semiconductor depends on the quantum mechanical behaviour of electrons at the junction of two different semiconductor materials.

AM

 

[Graeme Robinson]

Internal resistance in cells and solar cells is caused by the resistance of the materials within the cell itself. This resistance can be due to various factors such as the conductivity of the materials, the thickness of the cell, and the presence of impurities or defects in the materials.

A) In a cell, the internal resistance is primarily caused by the resistance of the electrolyte solution and the electrodes. The electrolyte solution has a certain level of resistance due to its chemical composition and the movement of ions within it. The electrodes also have a resistance due to the materials they are made of and their physical structure.

B) In a solar cell, the internal resistance is mainly caused by the resistance of the semiconductor material used to convert sunlight into electricity. The semiconductors used in solar cells have a certain level of resistance due to their molecular structure and impurities within them. Additionally, the interconnections between the solar cells and the wiring used to connect the cells also contribute to the internal resistance.

While both cells and solar cells have internal resistance, the causes may differ slightly due to the different materials and structures used in each type of cell. However, the overall concept of internal resistance remains the same - it is the resistance within the cell itself that can affect its performance and efficiency.