Scribd
Upload
29 views3 pages

Handout 2.2.6

This handout explains how light transfers energy from a source to an absorber, leading to chemical and electrical effects, with examples from the human retina and cameras. Light, made up of photons, can cause chemical changes in photosensitive materials, enabling vision and image recording. Additionally, solar cells convert light energy into electrical energy, showcasing the importance of light in various technologies.

Uploaded by

emaan.rafzaal14
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
29 views3 pages

Handout 2.2.6

This handout explains how light transfers energy from a source to an absorber, leading to chemical and electrical effects, with examples from the human retina and cameras. Light, made up of photons, can cause chemical changes in photosensitive materials, enabling vision and image recording. Additionally, solar cells convert light energy into electrical energy, showcasing the importance of light in various technologies.

Uploaded by

emaan.rafzaal14
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

Term 2 Prep III

The City School


Handout: Science 2.2.6
Topic: Light Transferring Energy
Name: Sec:

Learning Objective(s):
2.2.6 Explain how light transfers energy from a source to an absorber, leading to chemical and electrical effects, such as in photo-
sensitive materials in the retina and cameras.

Introduction
Light is a form of electromagnetic radiation, and its energy can be transferred from its source to an absorber. When light
interacts with materials, it can cause various chemical and electrical effects. These effects are important in many
everyday phenomena, such as vision, photography, and even the function of solar cells. This handout explains how light
transfers energy, leading to chemical and electrical effects, with examples from the retina in our eyes and photosensitive
materials in cameras.

Energy Transfer by Light


Light is made up of particles called photons, which carry energy. When light strikes an object, the photons transfer their
energy to the atoms or molecules in the material. This process is known as energy absorption. The way this energy is
absorbed and what happens to it depends on the properties of the material.
When light strikes a surface, the energy of the photons is absorbed by the electrons in the material. These electrons
become "excited" and may jump to a higher energy state or release energy in another form, such as heat.
If the material is photosensitive, it may undergo a chemical change as a result of this energy transfer.
Example: In photosensitive materials, such as those found in the human eye and cameras, this energy causes electrons
to move or react chemically, leading to an effect such as vision or an image being recorded.

Light and the Human Retina (Chemical Effect)


The retina in the human eye is a photosensitive tissue that is responsible for converting light into signals that are sent to
the brain. This process is how we "see" light.
Light enters the eye and strikes the photoreceptor cells in the retina. These cells contain light-sensitive molecules called
photopigments.

When these photopigments absorb light, the energy from the light triggers a chemical change. This change causes the
photoreceptor cell to send an electrical signal to the brain, which is then interpreted as an image.
Term 2 Prep III

Photoreceptors:
Rods: These are sensitive to low light levels and help us see in dim conditions but do not detect color.
Cones: These work in bright light and are responsible for color vision. They detect specific wavelengths of light
corresponding to different colors.
The light energy absorbed by the retina leads to a chemical reaction that converts the light signal into an electrical signal
that our brain interprets as vision.

Light and Cameras (Electrical Effect)


Cameras use photosensitive materials, like the ones in the retina, to record images. When light hits these materials, it
leads to the generation of electrical signals, which are then used to create an image.

Digital Cameras: Digital cameras have sensors made of millions of photo-detectors (such as CCD or CMOS sensors).
These sensors are coated with photosensitive materials that convert light into electrical signals.

When light strikes the camera sensor, it excites the electrons in the photosensitive material, causing them to move and
create an electrical charge. This charge is then recorded as an image by the camera's processing system.
▪ Light enters the camera through the lens.
▪ It strikes the photosensitive sensor, which absorbs the light energy.
▪ The energy causes the material to release electrons and create an electrical charge.
▪ The charge is read by the camera’s sensor, and the image is processed and stored.
In cameras, light energy is converted into electrical signals that create a digital image, much like how the retina converts
light into signals the brain can understand.

Solar Cells (Electrical Effect)


Solar cells, or photovoltaic cells, are another example of how light’s energy can be converted into electrical energy.
Solar cells are made of semiconductor materials like silicon. When sunlight hits the surface of a solar cell, the energy
from the light causes electrons in the semiconductor material to become excited.
The excited electrons are then pushed out of their positions, creating a flow of electricity.
This electrical energy is captured and can be used to power devices or stored for later use.
Solar cells convert light energy directly into electrical energy, which is used to power homes, devices, and other
electrical systems.
Term 2 Prep III

Photosensitive Materials in Other Technologies


Photosensitive materials are used in many other technologies that rely on light for chemical or electrical effects.
Photocopiers: In photocopiers, light scans a document and strikes a photoreceptor drum. The light causes a charge to
accumulate on the drum in areas where light has been absorbed, and toner is attracted to these areas to form a copy of
the document.
Photodiodes: Photodiodes are used in many electronic devices to detect light and convert it into an electrical signal,
such as in remote controls or optical sensors.

Key Concepts Summary


Effect Material Energy Conversion Example
Vision in humans,
Chemical Light energy triggers a chemical reaction that
Retina (eye) detection of light in the
Effect sends electrical signals to the brain
eye
Light energy excites electrons, creating
Electrical Camera sensor, solar Digital photography, solar
electrical charges that form an image or
Effect cells energy production
produce electricity
Electrical Photocopy machines, Light energy is converted to electrical signals or Photocopiers, optical
Effect photodiodes used to change material properties sensors

Conclusion
Light is more than just something we see; it is a powerful form of energy that can lead to chemical and electrical effects
in various materials. Whether it’s enabling us to see through the retina, capturing images with cameras, or generating
electricity with solar cells, light’s energy transfer plays a crucial role in everyday technology. Understanding how light
interacts with materials helps us to use it effectively in different fields, from healthcare to renewable energy.

You might also like