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Question

Which of the following materials is widely used in solar cell fabrication?

This question was previously asked in
UGC NET 2019 Home Science Question Paper (04-Dec-2019) (Shift 2)
The correct answer is

Silicon

To determine which material is widely used in solar cell fabrication, we must understand the basic structure and functionality of a solar cell.

Solar cells, also known as photovoltaic cells, are devices that convert light energy directly into electricity by the photovoltaic effect. The most commonly used material for solar cells due to its efficiency and relatively low cost is Silicon.

Here's a brief explanation of why Silicon is the preferred material for solar cells:

  1. Abundance and Cost: Silicon is the second most abundant element in the Earth's crust. It makes around 28% of the crust's mass, primarily found in the form of silicon dioxide (silica). This abundance makes it economical compared to many other materials.
  2. Semiconductor Properties: Silicon has appropriate semiconductor properties. It can absorb sufficient solar radiation and has a band gap of about 1.1 eV, which is suitable for converting sunlight into electricity efficiently.
  3. Technology Maturity: Over the years, significant research and investment have been made in silicon-based technologies, making production processes well-established and highly optimized.

Ruling out the other options:

  • Nubidium: There is no element known as Nubidium. This is likely incorrect or a typographical error.
  • Nickel: Although used in some alloys for solar panels, Nickel does not serve as the primary semiconductor material in solar cells.
  • Chromium: Chromium is used mainly for corrosion resistance and can be used in coatings but is not a primary material in solar cell fabrication.

Therefore, the correct answer is clearly Silicon. It is the most prevalent and effective material used in the creation of solar cells, owing to its optimal semiconductor properties and established production technologies.

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