What term describes the condition when photons bombard a poor conductor, enhancing its conductivity?

• A. Photovoltaic effect
• B. Photoconduction
• C. Photoelectric effect
• D. Electromagnetism

Answer: (B)

The term that describes the condition when photons bombard a poor conductor, enhancing its conductivity, is photoconduction. This phenomenon occurs when light energy, in the form of photons, is absorbed by a material, resulting in an increase in its electrical conductivity. When photons strike the material, they can transfer energy to the electrons, elevating them to a higher energy state and allowing them to move more freely. This process is particularly significant in semiconductors and certain insulators, where the introduction of light can significantly improve their effectiveness as conductors.

In contrast, the photovoltaic effect involves the generation of voltage or electric current in a material upon exposure to light, primarily occurring in solar cells. The photoelectric effect refers to the ejection of electrons from a material when it is exposed to light, while electromagnetism is a fundamental force governing how charged particles interact but does not specifically describe the interaction between light and conductivity.