I have a physics question. This is for extra credit which I really need to earn- If I made a solar cell how would I know which material is best to use if given choices like aluminum with a work function of 4.1eV at a cost of 2.40Kg or platinum with a work function of 6.4 eV at a cost of 58,430 or sodium with a workforce of 2.3eV at a cost of 0.20. If you could just explain how I figure it out not do all of the calculations-like do I multiply the work force by cost and the lower one is the best, etc.??

Solar cells are not generally made with photoelectric materials, although a photodiode is what you probably have in mind. They are usually used to measure strong light pulses.

Solar cells are made with semiconductors with band gaps for conducting electrons of about 2 eV. The lower the band gap, the longer the wavelength of electrons that can be raised to conduction band, where they can create a voltage to drive electric current. Think of how a material like silicon works. The photoelectrons are not driven off the surface, they are free to move within the material.

You need to do some reviewing of the solid state physics of how photoelectric devices work. I am not an expert in that field.

You seem to be confusing work force with work function, also.

Here is a good place to start reading about photoelectric devices.

http://www.explainthatstuff.com/how-photoelectric-cells-work.html

Most devices for converting light to useful power are of the photovoltaic type.

Thank you for directing me to that site-that one I didn't find while I was looking for info-I did confuse work force for work function- I appreciate you following up

To determine which material is best to use for a solar cell, you need to consider both the work function and the cost. The work function is the minimum amount of energy required to liberate an electron from the material's surface, while the cost indicates the economic feasibility of using the material.

To compare the materials based on their work functions and costs, you should calculate the product of the work function and the cost for each material. Then, you can compare these values to find the material with the lowest combined value.

Here's how you can calculate the combined value for each material:

1. For aluminum:
Combined value = Work function (4.1 eV) x Cost (2.40 kg)
= 4.1 eV x 2.40 kg
= 9.84 eV * kg

2. For platinum:
Combined value = Work function (6.4 eV) x Cost ($58,430)
= 6.4 eV x $58,430
= 368,512 eV * $

3. For sodium:
Combined value = Work function (2.3 eV) x Cost ($0.20)
= 2.3 eV x $0.20
= 0.46 eV * $

After calculating the combined values, you can compare them and select the material with the lowest combined value. In this case, the material with the lowest combined value would be the most suitable choice for the solar cell, as it offers a relatively low cost and an appropriate work function.

Remember, this analysis only compares the work function and cost. There may be other factors to consider, such as the abundance of the material or its conversion efficiency in solar energy conversion.