Solar Energy

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Renewable Energy Noun

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[ri-noo-uh-buhl en-er-jee]

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Renewable Energy

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An energy source that is not depleted when used because it is naturally replenished on a human timescale.

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Example: Energy from the sun travels to Earth, providing a constant and therefore renewable source of power known as solar energy.

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Nuclear Fusion Noun

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[noo-klee-er fyoo-zhuhn]

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Nuclear Fusion

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A process where atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing an immense amount of energy.

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Example: This diagram shows two small atomic nuclei (Hydrogen-1 and Hydrogen-2) combining, or fusing, to create a larger nucleus (Helium-3) and releasing a large amount of energy.

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Radiation Noun

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[ray-dee-ay-shuhn]

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Radiation

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The emission of energy as electromagnetic waves or moving subatomic particles, which can transfer heat through space.

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Example: The Sun sends energy to Earth through space in the form of electromagnetic waves, a process called radiation.

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Infrared Waves Noun

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[in-fruh-red wayvz]

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Infrared Waves

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A type of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than visible light, often perceived by humans as heat.

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Example: This diagram shows the electromagnetic spectrum, placing infrared waves next to visible light. It illustrates that infrared has a longer wavelength and lower energy than visible light.

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Ultraviolet (UV) Waves Noun

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[uhl-truh-vahy-uh-lit wayvz]

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Ultraviolet (UV) Waves

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A form of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength shorter than visible light but longer than X-rays.

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Example: This diagram shows the electromagnetic spectrum, placing ultraviolet (UV) waves between X-rays and visible light, indicating they have shorter wavelengths than visible light.

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Passive Solar Energy Noun

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[pas-iv soh-ler en-er-jee]

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Passive Solar Energy

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Harnessing the sun's energy through architectural design and materials without using mechanical or electrical devices to distribute heat.

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Example: A house uses design features like large windows and thermal mass flooring to capture the low winter sun for heat, while shading blocks the high summer sun.

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Active Solar Energy Noun

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[ak-tiv soh-ler en-er-jee]

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Active Solar Energy

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Harnessing the sun's energy using mechanical or electrical devices like pumps and fans to collect, store, and convert it.

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Example: This diagram shows how active solar energy works: solar panels collect sunlight, and an inverter converts it to electricity for appliances and the power grid.

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Photovoltaic (PV) Adjective

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[foh-toh-vol-tey-ik]

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Photovoltaic (PV)

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Relating to the direct conversion of light into electricity at the junction of two substances exposed to light.

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Example: Sunlight strikes a photovoltaic cell, knocking an electron loose and creating an electron-hole pair, which generates an electrical current in an external circuit.

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Photovoltaic Cell Noun

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[foh-toh-vol-tey-ik sel]

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Photovoltaic Cell

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An electronic device, also called a solar cell, that directly converts the energy of light into electricity.

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Example: This diagram shows how a photovoltaic cell converts sunlight into electricity, which then powers a light bulb, illustrating the basic principle of solar energy.

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Semiconductor Noun

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[sem-ee-kuhn-duhk-ter]

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Semiconductor

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A material with electrical conductivity between a conductor and an insulator, crucial for the function of photovoltaic cells.

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Example: This image shows a central computer chip and lists many of its advanced electronic applications, but it does not explain what a semiconductor is.