9 Radiant Energy To Electrical Energy Examples, Explanation

In this article, we shall discuss some example of radiant energy to electrical energy in detailed facts.

The electromagnetic wave possesses energy that can be converted to electrical energy. Here is a list of examples that we are going to discuss in the below article:-

Solar Panels

The top layer of the solar panel is made up of n-type silicon doped with phosphorous and the bottom layer with p-type silicon doped with boron, forming a p-n junction diode. Both the layers are connected through a wire making a circuit.

example of radiant energy to electrical energy
Solar Panels;
Image Credit: Pixabay

When the photons from the sunlight are incident on the panel will create an impact on the electrons in the p-n junction. The movement of the electrons will produce a flow of electric current that runs through a wire.

Geothermal Power Plants

The temperature and pressure underground increase with depths. The temperature gradient increases by 10 degrees for every 1km depth of the Earth. Due to rising temperature, heat is generated beneath the layers of the Earth which can be used to derive electric energy.

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Thermal Spring;
Image Credit: Pixabay

The steam generated due to the heat energy is drilled and passed to the turbines and passed to the electrical generator to generate electricity. This steam on losing the heat is again passed underground.

Magnetic Field

The magnets are used to produce electricity. The magnetic fields align the direction of the flow of a current. By varying the magnetic field strength, the electric current is generated that flows through the conductor.

Radiant Energy To Electrical Energy

Read more on 15+ Example Of Radiant Energy To Thermal Energy: Detailed Explanations.

LDR

It is a light dependent resistor and functions on the light photons incident on it, hence it is also called the photoresistor. As the intensity of the light increases during the daytime, the resistance of the LDR decreases, and during the dark night, the resistance increases.

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LDR;
Image Credit: Pixabay

At constant voltage, as the resistance of LDR decreases the current is generated. The incident photons on the LDR provided energy for the electrons to get excited in the conduction band. Hence, as the intensity of the photon increases the resistance decreases resulting in the flow of current.

Lightning

Lightning is caused due to the discharge of the charged electrons on the surface of the clouds.

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Lightning; Image Credit: Pixabay

When the cloud has enough potential energy, and mass, colliding with the other radiation in the atmosphere, the energy is turned into electric currents.

Radio Waves

The wireless energy transmission technology has made it possible to convert radio waves into electricity. The antennas receive these electromagnetic radiations which are converted to alternating current and the rectifier is used to convert the alternating current into the direct current.

Read more on 16+ Example Of Radiant Energy To Mechanical Energy: Detailed Explanations.

Car Batteries

The energy is released in the form of heat during the combustion process as the fuel burn supplying power to the car.

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Car Engine;
Image Credit: Pixabay

This energy is traced by the electrons in the battery and set into motion, resulting in the formation of an electric current that is utilized to charge batteries and to use other electric gazettes in the car too.

Nuclear Fission

The fission of parent nuclei results in the formation of two daughter nuclei releasing out a good amount of energy. This technique is used in nuclear power plants to generate a huge amount of energy. The energy generated is used to generate electric energy and supplied to the household, factories, and industries.

Read more on 17+ Example Of Mechanical To Radiant Energy: Detailed Explanations.

Boilers

A liquid is boiled that produces the steam is given to the turbines. The hot steam rotates the turbine and the electric generator attached to it converts heat energy to electric energy.

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Boiler; Image Credit: Pixabay

The heat produced in the boiler is due to the nuclear reaction or combustion.

Burning of Coal

On burning coal, we know that it gives heat energy and light energy. This radiated heat energy can be used to run the turbines. By attaching a generator to the turbines, the mechanical energy is easily converted into electrical energy.

Thermoelectric Devices

Thermo means temperature. The device used to change the temperature differences into electricity is called a thermoelectric device.

Read more on 15+ Example Of Electrical Energy To Heat Energy: Detailed Explanations.

Solar Batteries

Solar batteries are devices that convert solar radiation into electrical energy. These solar cells work on the photovoltaic effect.

Read more on Intensity Of Radiation Equation: Exhaustive Insights.

Scientific Calculators

The scientific calculator comes with solar cells embedded in it.

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Scientific Calculators; Image Credit: Pixabay

Upon exposing these calculators to the sunlight the photon energy is converted into the electrical energy that charges the cell of the calculator.

Solar Generators

Solar generators are used to generate electricity from the radiant energy received from the sunlight. To make solar generators, more than two solar panels are used to create a direct current source.

Read more on 10+ Example Of Electrical Energy To Sound Energy: Detailed Explanations.

Conveyor Belt on the Motor

You must have seen somebody starting the machine by stretching a small conveyor belt. Upon stretching, the wheels are rotated to generate energy which is supplied to the motor, and the energy is transmitted into electrical energy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How radiant energy is converted into electrical energy?

The radiant energy could be in any form of energy like heat, electromagnetic waves, steam, etc.

The energy radiated from the source is used utilized and rectified to generate the electrical energy.

What is a reason behind the formation of electrical energy?

It is the energy produced due to the motion of the electrons and protons.

When the charged particles gain enough energy, they get into the mobile state resulting in a flow of current that generates electricity.

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