Question

Which of the following can't be used to make a solar cell?

• A. Silicon
• B. Platinum
• C. Gallium
• D. Germanium

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Platinum

Explanation of the correct option

B:Platinum

1. Semiconductors are commonly used in the manufacturing of solar cells.
2. Silicon and Germanium are semiconductors, and Gallium can act as a semi-conductor when mixed with other impurities, but Platinum is not a semiconductor and cannot be used as a semi-conductor, and it is also exceedingly expensive to obtain.

Explanation of the incorrect options
A:Silicon

1. Silicon is the best material for solar cells. The indirect bandgap of silicon is 1.1 eV.
2. Silicon is a semiconductor with a bandgap that allows electrons to be stimulated into the conduction band, from which they can be extracted for electricity.

B: Gallium

1. Gallium is a silvery, soft metal that is largely utilized in electrical circuits, semiconductors, and light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
2. Gallium mixed with impurities can be used to make solar cells.

C:Germanium

1. Germanium can be used to make a solar cell.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).