(a) Solar cells are used to provide the electric current to charge the batteries of a car driven by an electric motor. Describe the energy changes which take place. (b) What differences would you expect in the charging of car batteries (i) in bright sunlight (ii) on a cloudy day (iii) at night ?

Answer

(a) Solar cells convert Sunlight energy into Electrical energy ; During charging the batteries, Electrical energy is converted into Chemical energy ; During the use of batteries, Chemical energy is converted into Electrical energy ; Electric motor converts Electric energy into Kinetic energy (which drives the car) (b) (i) Batteries are charged quickly (ii) Batteries are charged very slowly (iii) Batteries are not charged at all.