Physics Project -LDR (Light Dependent Resistor

To study the effect of intensity of light (by varying the distance of the source) on an LDR (Light dependent resistor

INDEX
S.No. Title Page No. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Introduction Types of LDRs Activity Practical Applications and uses Disadvantage Bibliography 5 7 8 11 13 13

1. Introduction
A Photoresistor or Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) is a resistor whose resistance decreases with increasing incident light intensity; it exhibits photoconductivity. It is also known as photoresistor, photo conductor or LDR. A LDR is made of a high resistance semiconductor. If light incident on the device is of high enough frequency, photons absorbed by the semiconductor lattice gives bound electrons enough energy to jump into the conduction band, break free from the lattice and hence participate in conduction. The resulting free electron (and its hole partner) conduct electricity, thereby lowering resistance.

A LDR is represented in a circuit by

Why is cadmium sulphide used in LDRs?

Light dependent resistors (LDRs) are made from cadmium sulphide
containing no or very few free electrons when not illuminated. Its resistance is then quite high. When it absorbs light, electrons move to the conduction band and the conductivity of the material increases. Cadmium sulphide (CdS) is, therefore, a photoconductor. It has a peak sensitivity wavelength () of about 560nm to 600nm in the visible spectral range.

Construction:
Device consists of a pair of metal film contacts separated by a snakelike track of cadmium sulphide film, designed to provide the maximum possible contact area with the two metal films. The structure is housed in a clear plastic or resin case, to provide free access to external light. Practical LDRs are available in a variety of sizes and package styles, the most popular size having a face diameter of roughly 10 mm.

2. Types of LDRs
A Photoelectric device can be either intrinsic or extrinsic. INTRINSIC: An intrinsic semiconductor has its own charge carriers and is not an efficient semiconductor, e.g. silicon. In intrinsic devices the only available electrons are in the valence band, and hence the photon must have enough energy to excite the electron across the entire band gap. EXTRINSIC: Extrinsic devices have impurities, also called dopents, added whose ground state energy is closer to the conduction band; since the electrons do not have as far to jump, lower energy photons (i.e., longer wavelengths and lower frequencies) are sufficient to trigger the device. If a sample of silicon has some of its atoms replaced by phosphorus atoms (impurities), there will be extra electrons available for conduction. This is an example of an extrinsic semiconductor. Photoresistors are basically photocells. Photoresistors come in many different types. Lead sulphide (PbS) and Indium antimonide (InSb) LDRs (light dependent resistor) are used for the mid infrared spectral region. GeCu photoconductors are among the best farinfrared detectors available, and are used for infrared astronomy and infrared spectroscopy.

3. Activity
Aim: To study the effect of intensity of light (by varying the distance of the source) on an LDR (Light dependent resistor). Apparatus Required: A light dependent resistor, a multimeter, a battery and a source of light (lamp with bulbs of 25, 60, 100, 200 watts), a key. Procedure: 1.The LDR is connected in series with a 6V battery, a key and a multimeter as shown in the figure. 2. A multimeter knob is set on the point marked. The two leads from the multimeter terminals are connected as shown. 3. Now close the key and put a black paper on the LDR, so that no light falls on LDR. 4. Now measure the current by means of multimeter.

5. Next remove the black paper from the LDR and measure the current in presence of normal light in laboratory. Then find the resistance (6V/Current). 6. Now put on the lamp with 11W bulb and let its light fall on the LDR directly. 7. Measure the resistance. Now change the bulb in lamp and put another bulb of 40W and measure the resistance. 8. a) Repeat the experiment with different bulbs with different power and record the observations in the observation table. b) Repeat the experiment with the same but by varying the distance.

Observation Table: a) S.No Conditions of incident light(W) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Darkness Normal light 11 W 40 W 60 W Current (mA) Resistance= {6V/Current}()

0.1 2.0 16.1 25.0 40.5

60.0 3.0 0.373 0.240 0.148

6.

100W

58.3

0.103

b) Power of the bulb used= 11W S.No Distance from the source(cm) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 10 15 20 25 30 Current (mA) 12.4 8.3 5.8 4.63 3.94 Resistance={6V/current} () 0.43 1.80 3.44 5.39 7.61

Result: a) It is seen that the resistance of the LDR goes on decreasing as the amount of light incident on it increases. b)It is seen that the resistance goes on increasing as the distance keeps increasing.

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4. Practical Applications and Uses

#Cadmium sulphide cells can be found in many consumer items such as camera light meters, street lights, clock radios, alarm devices, outdoor clocks, solar street lamps, bed lamps etc. #LDRs are very useful for motion lights and security systems. They are also very useful in watches and cars so that the lights can turn on automatically when it becomes dark. #It is used in burglar alarm to give alarming sound when a burglar invades sensitive premises. #It is used in street light control to switch on the lights during dusk (evening) and switch off during dawn (morning) automatically. #It is used in photo sensitive relay circuit.

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# It is used in solar powered garden lights, and night security lighting. #An LDR can even be used in a simple remote control circuit using the backlight of a mobile phone to turn on a device ; call the mobile from anywhere in the world, it lights up the LDR, and lighting (or a garden sprinkler) can be turned on. #They are also used in incandescent lamps along with Light Emitting Diode( LED).

5. Disadvantage
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The readings may be inaccurate and sometimes misleading. It is not reliable always due to external factors.

6. Bibliography
1. www.wikepedia.com 2. Comprehensive lab manual

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