Question

Match each device, or device component, with the material or materials it is often made from. $$\begin{array}{|l|}\hline \text { Device or device } \\\\\text { component } \\\ \hline \text { 1. Photovoltaic device } \\ \hline \text { 2. Piezoelectric device } \\\\\hline \text { 3. Battery anode } \\\\\hline \text { 4. Thermoelectric device } \\ \hline \begin{array}{l}\text { 5. Dielectric between } \\\\\text { capacitor plates } \end{array} \\\\\hline\end{array}$$ $$\begin{array}{|l|}\hline \text { Material } \\\\\hline \text { A. Lead zirconium titanate } \\ \hline \text { B. Bismuth telluride } \\\\\hline \text { C. Cadmium telluride } \\ \hline \text { D. Mica, Quartz } \\ \hline \text { E. Zinc, Lithium } \\\\\hline\end{array}$$

Short answer

1-C, 2-A, 3-E, 4-B, 5-D.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Exercise

We have a list of devices or their components and a list of materials. Our task is to match each device with the material it is commonly made from.

Match Photovoltaic Device

A photovoltaic device is often related to solar cells. It is commonly made from semiconductor materials such as cadmium telluride. Therefore, we match Photovoltaic Device (1) with Cadmium Telluride (C).

Match Piezoelectric Device

Piezoelectric devices convert mechanical strain into electricity and vice versa. These devices often use materials like lead zirconium titanate. Thus, Piezoelectric Device (2) matches Lead Zirconium Titanate (A).

Match Battery Anode

The anode in batteries is often made from materials like zinc or lithium, as found in common types like alkaline or lithium-ion batteries. Hence, Battery Anode (3) matches Zinc, Lithium (E).

Match Thermoelectric Device

Thermoelectric devices convert temperature differences into electrical voltage and commonly use materials like bismuth telluride. So, Thermoelectric Device (4) matches Bismuth Telluride (B).

Match Dielectric between Capacitor Plates

Dielectrics in capacitors are often made from insulating materials such as mica or quartz, which have good dielectric properties. Thus, Dielectric between Capacitor Plates (5) matches Mica, Quartz (D).

Key concepts

Photovoltaic Devices

Photovoltaic devices, often known as solar cells, play a crucial role in converting sunlight into electricity. The key to this process is the use of semiconductor materials. One popular choice is cadmium telluride. It possesses excellent photovoltaic properties due to its optimal bandgap and strong absorption of light.

These characteristics make cadmium telluride highly efficient at capturing sunlight and converting it into electrical energy. This process starts when solar photons excite electrons in the semiconductor, creating charge carriers. These carriers then generate an electric current, which can be utilized as electricity.

• Cadmium telluride solar cells are cost-effective.
• They boast good stability and performance over time.
• These cells are especially suitable for large-scale solar power applications.

The use of cadmium telluride has led to advances in reducing the cost of solar panels and increasing their accessibility and efficiency in generating clean energy.

Piezoelectric Devices

Piezoelectric devices are fascinating because they can directly convert mechanical energy into electrical energy and vice versa. The secret to this lies in piezoelectric materials like lead zirconium titanate (PZT).

When mechanical stress is applied to piezoelectric materials, they undergo changes in their dipole alignment. This change generates an electric charge across the material, which can be harnessed as electricity. Conversely, applying an electrical voltage can cause these materials to change shape, creating mechanical motion.

• Lead zirconium titanate is widely used due to its high piezoelectric constants.
• PZT can be found in applications like sensors, actuators, and even musical instruments.
• The sensitivity and robustness of PZT make it ideal for intricate applications in medical ultrasound equipment and more.

Understanding how piezoelectric materials work enables the creation of innovative devices that can perform tasks ranging from powering small sensors to precise medical interventions.

Battery Materials

An important component of batteries is the anode, where the battery's chemical reactions take place to store and release energy. Two common materials used for anodes are zinc and lithium.

Zinc is traditionally found in alkaline batteries, where it acts as a key component in a durable, reliable energy source often used in household devices.
Lithium, on the other hand, is paramount in modern lithium-ion batteries. These batteries revolutionized the portable electronics industry with their high energy density and rechargeability.

• Zinc anodes offer affordability and safety but have limited energy density.
• Lithium anodes are lightweight, offer high output, and support longer device run times.
• Innovations in battery materials are a focus for improving battery performance and safety standards.

Battery technology constantly evolves, and understanding these materials helps in designing better energy solutions that power today’s tech-driven world.

Thermoelectric Devices

Thermoelectric devices have the unique ability to convert temperature differences directly into electrical voltage. The key material here is bismuth telluride, renowned for its thermoelectric properties.

This material takes advantage of the Seebeck effect, where a voltage is generated in response to a temperature gradient. By exploiting this effect, thermoelectric devices can provide standalone power, suitable for niche applications where conventional methods fall short.

• Bismuth telluride offers high efficiency in room temperature applications.
• It is integrated into devices like portable refrigerators and power generation systems for spacecraft.
• Their use circumvents the need for additional moving parts, reducing mechanical wear and tear.

The innovation in thermoelectric materials like bismuth telluride opens doors to sustainable and versatile energy solutions in challenging environments.

Capacitor Dielectrics

Capacitors, essential components in electronic circuits, store electrical energy in the form of an electric field. The dielectric material between capacitor plates significantly influences a capacitor’s performance. Mica and quartz are two superb materials often used as dielectrics.

Mica is prized for its excellent dielectric strength and ability to operate across a range of temperatures. Quartz, naturally occurring as well, boasts remarkable thermal stability and low electrical conductivity.

• Mica-based capacitors are stable and can handle high voltages.
• Quartz’s consistent behavior over varying conditions makes it ideal for precise timing devices.
• These dielectrics enhance the energy efficiency and longevity of capacitors.

By utilizing materials like mica and quartz, capacitors can achieve high reliability and efficiency, supporting a myriad of electronic applications from consumer electronics to intricate communication systems.