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Photosynthesis is the process by the help of which plants make their own food by capturing the solar energy. Solar cell as compared to the plants coverts the sunlight into electric energy in order to be used by the human beings. This paper aims to highlight the differences and similarities between a plant cell and a solar cell in addition to the application of laws of thermodynamics to each system.
Laws of Thermodynamics
In the case of photosynthesis and the solar cells, three laws of thermodynamics are applicable. According to the first law of thermodynamics, energy, or mass cannot be created nor they can be destroyed (Rana, 2008, p. 67). The first law of thermodynamics is fulfilled by the plant cells as no new energy or mass is being created but solar energy is being converted into chemical energy or electric energy in the case of solar cells. Second law says that not all of the energy absorbed from the reservoir can be converted...
Plant cells and the solar cells fulfill this law as some of the energy is lost as heat and not all the captured solar energy is converted into electric or chemical energy. At absolute zero temperature, all systems cease which means that energy production cease causes all functions to stop (Nelson, 2003, p. 78). Constant fuel or energy is required by these systems in order to make the conversions in the case of plant cells; the energy comes from ATPs and in solar cells, electric charge is the source of energy. This fulfills the third law of thermodynamics.
Similarities between Solar Cells and Plant Cells
1. Both plant cells and solar cells use sunlight as the source of energy.
2. The conversion of sunlight in plants is used to make foods for plants and electricity by solar cells that are both beneficial to the humankind.
3. Solar cells and plants have cells that are used…
References
Nelson, J. (2003). The physics of solar cells, Volume 2 of Series on Properties of Semiconductor Materials. Imperial College Press.
Rana, F. (2008). The cell's design: how chemistry reveals the Creator's artistry. Baker Books.
However, unlike chlorophyll, silicon cannot be used for energy-generation in its raw state, and must be processed by humans. Silicon is favored "because it remains a good conductor of electricity even after it has been heated. In order for silicon to be used for solar cells, it must be heavily heated to separate it from oxygen so that it can be further processed" (Stier 2009). Although solar energy is
Photosynthesis & Solar Photovoltaic Technology What is photosynthesis and how does photosynthesis work? How is process of photosynthesis linked to photovoltaic technologies? How are they the same and how are they different? This paper will delve into those issues and provide answers to the questions. Photosynthesis is the process in which green plants create their own food thanks to sunlight shining on them. Animals eat other organisms for their nutrient intake, but
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