When sunlight strikes a photovoltaic cell, which of the following occurs?

• A. Neutrons are absorbed by the cell, causing it to heat up.
• B. Electrons are ejected from the material, generating an electric current.
• C. Protons are emitted from the cell, producing a magnetic field.
• D. The cell emits visible light as a result of fluorescence.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the basic principle of a photovoltaic cell: it converts light energy into electrical energy by the photoelectric effect.
2. Recall that when sunlight (photons) strikes the material in the photovoltaic cell, it provides enough energy to excite electrons and free them from atoms in the material.
3. Recognize that these freed electrons can then flow through the material, creating an electric current that can be harnessed for power.
4. Note that neutrons and protons are not involved in this process; the cell does not absorb neutrons nor emit protons.
5. Also, the cell does not emit visible light through fluorescence; instead, it generates electricity by ejecting electrons.