Definitions
- Describing the emission of electrons from a material when exposed to light. - Referring to the conversion of light energy into electrical energy. - Talking about the interaction between light and matter to produce an electric current.
- Describing the change in electrical conductivity of a material when exposed to light. - Referring to the ability of a material to conduct electricity better when exposed to light. - Talking about the interaction between light and matter to alter the electrical properties of a material.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words involve the interaction between light and matter.
- 2Both words describe the conversion of light energy into electrical energy.
- 3Both words have applications in various technologies, such as solar cells and photocopiers.
What is the difference?
- 1Function: Photoelectric describes the emission of electrons from a material, while photoconductive describes the change in electrical conductivity of a material.
- 2Mechanism: Photoelectric involves the release of electrons from a material's surface, while photoconductive involves the alteration of the material's electrical properties.
- 3Materials: Photoelectric typically involves metals or semiconductors, while photoconductive often involves materials with high resistance, such as amorphous silicon.
- 4Applications: Photoelectric is used in solar cells and photomultiplier tubes, while photoconductive is used in photocopiers and image sensors.
- 5Measurement: Photoelectric is measured in terms of the number of emitted electrons, while photoconductive is measured in terms of the change in electrical conductivity.
Remember this!
Photoelectric and photoconductive are both related to the interaction between light and matter to produce electrical energy. However, photoelectric refers to the emission of electrons from a material when exposed to light, while photoconductive refers to the change in electrical conductivity of a material when exposed to light.
