Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

My research question is how does the angle of a solar cell effect how much energy the cell will convert into electricity? I am wondering how long i should shine the lamp on the cell to get accurate data.

How long you shine the light on your cell to collect data depends on several factors.

I presume you will be measuring the energy by taking voltage measurements. Is this correct? If so, what you should do is measure the voltage multiple times over a period of time. I would recommend every 10 seconds or so. Record those readings. Once you detect the voltage is not changing from one time interval to the next, you will be able to determine your system is "stable". That is the voltage you should use to represent the energy produced by your cell at a particular angle of light.

I think you will discover the cell produces a stable amount of voltage in a short period of time.

Good luck, and have fun!