Physics Coursework: Sensors, Photodiodes and Graphs

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics coursework project focused on sensors, specifically using a photodiode to measure resistance at varying light levels. The original poster is exploring the relationship between distance from a light source and the resistance of the photodiode, as well as how to effectively plot this data.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to measure the resistance of a photodiode at different distances from a light source and is uncertain about the validity of this approach. They question how to plot their findings and consider using potential divider equations. Some participants suggest varying the distance and recording resistance, while others discuss the expected relationship between light intensity and distance.

Discussion Status

Participants have provided helpful insights regarding the relationship between resistance and distance, suggesting a log-log plot for better analysis. There is an ongoing exploration of the implications of using a variable resistor and the challenges posed by environmental factors affecting the experiment.

Contextual Notes

There are concerns about the experimental setup in a regular room due to potential reflections affecting results. The original poster acknowledges these issues and plans to address them in their final write-up. Additionally, there is uncertainty regarding the role of the variable resistor in the circuit.

  • #31
damn, well, let's cut the problem down, a hellovalot
in regards to the working-out equations, i managed to work out them for the 1st four fixed resistance values. but that last two, which i shall attach again seemed not to work, but i believe i justifed these well:

"This sensor was the one I took man more values for, it seemed, while I was setting the sensors up, to be the most sensitive, though having done the result analysis and gathering, I see I was incorrect, but I think that taking all those results would give a more accurate graph – you can see, however how many anomalies there are, this, shall be due to either unsystematic errors, systematic errors, or the fact, again the fluctuations are caused by the sensitivity of this particular sensor. The sensitivity of this sensor was 25.1Vcm-1, which is good, but the great thing about this sensor is that it worked effectively over a comparatively long range, even after I stopped the voltage had not reached 4.5V (the maximum battery output).
"The formula tells us that, V = 25.1(LOG D) 0.05 – 24.04, this is actually quite incorrect, as you can see. It seems that the idea behind the relationship may only function correctly for those sensors with a relatively low fixed resistance. Though, if a decent relationship was found between the two values, then this sensor would be very effective, and efficient."
This set of results, and indeed all the results and tables are prime example of information displaying an “Empirical Relationship” they describe certain occurrences based on experimental observations, which are not fully understood yet. However, as you can see, these graphs and results can show us the relationship between voltage and distance from the point source quite effectively, though lacking is the understanding of regression techniques ."
is that ok, so i don't have to go into details about rectifying the formula with the polynomial regression techniques. i think i understand wat I'm talking about, so that's useful...
also, that foumula relating light inensity and voltage output together, where'd ou get it from?!
i used a 12V light buld 24W, and fixed resistances at 1kOHM 2,2, 22, 47, 100 and 470 - i think i WAY over-did it on the whole result taking thing, hence my finalk write up being 18 pages...
 

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  • #32
i have sorted my problem! which i good! Thanks very much for your help in this piece, is have referenced this thread in my acknowledgments

Padfrd
 
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  • #33
Excellent! (Msg #30 was meant to provide an alternative in case you were having major problems. However, if you indeed wrote 18 pages, then you obviously have lots of good results to talk about and have done a great job!)

The logarithmic relationship between Photodiode output Voltage and incident Light Intensity can be found here:
http://www.centrovision.com/tech2.htm
----------> Scroll all the way down the page to Section called "Photovoltaic Operation - Rl>>Rd, load line (a)"


~~
 
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