A PROJECT REPORT ON

SUBMITTED BY
K.JAYA GANESH

CLASS: XII

UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF

Mr. ANIL KUMAR

PGT (PHYSICS)
Nalanda International Public School & Junior College
Kelamangalam Main Road, Achettipalli Poat
HOSUR, TN – 635110

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 CERTIFICATE

The project report entitled

Submitted by K.JAYA GANESH of class XII for the CBSE

Senior Secondary Education Class XII of PHYSICS at
Nalanda International Public School & Junior College
Kelamangalam Main Road, Achettipalli post HOSUR, TN
- 635110 has been submitted.

SIGNATURE OF THE EXAMINER

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to express a deep sense of thanks and

gratitude to my project guide
Mr. ANIL KUMAR sir for immensely guiding me through
the course of the project. He always evinced keen
interest in my work. His constructive advice and
constant motivation have been responsible for the
successful completion of this project.
My sincere thanks to our principal sir for his co-
ordination in extending every possible support for the
completion of this project.
I also thank my parents for their motivation and
support. I must thank my classmates for their timely
help and support for completion of this project
Last but not least, I would like to thank all those who
had helped directly or indirectly towards the
completion of this project.

NAME:K.JAYA GANESH
CLASS : XII

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Introduction

The general purpose photoconductive cell is also known as

Light dependent resistor (LDR). They are used to detect light
levels, for example, in automatic security lights. Their
resistance decreases as the light intensity increases: in the
dark and at low light levels, the resistance of an LDR is high
and little current can flow through it.
There are two common types of materials used to
manufacture the photoconductive cells. They are Cadmium
Sulphide (CdS) and Cadmium Selenide (CdSe). Extrinsic
devices have impurities added, which have a ground state
energy closer to the conduction band - since the electrons
don't have as far to jump, lower energy photons (i.e. longer
wavelengths and lower frequencies) are sufficient to trigger
the device. Two of its earliest applications were as part of
smoke and fire detection systems and camera light meters.
The structure is covered with glass sheet to protect it from
moisture and dust and allows only light to fall on it.

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Applications

Lead sulfide (PbS) and indium antimonide (InSb) LDRs

are used for the mid infrared spectral region. GeCu
photoconductors are among the best far- infrared
detectors available, and are used for infrared
astronomy and infrared spectroscopy.
Analog Applications
· Camera Exposure Control
· Auto Slide Focus - dual cell
· Photocopy Machines - density of toner
· Colorimetric Test Equipment
· Densitometer
· Electronic Scales - dual cell
· Automatic Gain Control – modulated light source
· Automated Rear View Mirror
Digital Applications
· Automatic Headlight Dimmer
· Night Light Control
· Oil Burner Flame Out
· Street Light Control

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· Position Sensor

Aim and Apparatus

Aim :
To study variations in current flowing in circuit LDR
because of
a) power of the incandescent lamp, used to
illuminate the LDR.
b) the distance of an incandescent lamp, (of fixed
power) used to illuminate the LDR.

Materials required:
• Light Dependent Resistor (LDR)
• Connecting wires
• Source of different power rating (bulbs)
• Bulb holder
• Metre scale
• Multimeter
• Battery

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Circuit diagram and Theory

Circuit diagram

Theory
1.) LDR and its characteristics
When light is incident on it, a photon is
absorbed and thereby it excites an electron from
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 valence band into conduction band. Due to such
new electrons coming up in conduction band area,
the electrical resistance of the device decreases.
Thus the LDR or photo-conductive transducer has
the resistance which is the inverse function of
radiation intensity.

λ0 = threshold wavelength, in meters e = charge

on one electron, in Coulombs Ew = work function of
the metal used, in Ev Here we must note that any
radiation with wavelength greater than the value
obtained in above equation CANNOT PRODUCE any
change in the resistance of this device. The band gap
energy of Cadmium Sulphide is 2.42eV and for
Cadmium Selenide it is1.74eV. Due to such large
energy gaps, both the materials have extremely high
resistivity at room temperature.
2.) Characteristics of photoconductive cells
Now when the device is kept in darkness, its
resistance is called as dark resistance. This resistance is
typically of the order of 1013 ohms. When light falls on
it, its resistance decreases up to several kilo ohms or
even hundreds of ohms, depending on the intensity of

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light, falling on it. The spectral response characteristics
of two commercial cells were compared in our
laboratory. And we found that there is almost no
response to the radiation of a wavelength which was
shorter than 300nm. It was very interesting to note
that the Cadmium Sulphide cell has a peak response
nearer or within the green color of the spectrum within
a range of 520nm. Thus it can be used nearer to the
infra-red region up to 750nm. It was found that the
maximum response of Cadmium Sulphoselenide is in
the yellow-orange range at 615nm and also it can be
used in the infra-red region up to about 970nm.
3.) Sensitivity
The sensitivity of a photo detector is the
relationship between the light falling on the device and
the resulting output signal. In the case of a photocell,
one is dealing with the relationship between the
incident light and the corresponding resistance of the
cell.
4.) Spectral Response
Like the human eye, the relative sensitivity of a
photoconductive cell is dependent on the wavelength
(color) of the incident light. Each photoconductor
material type has its own unique spectral response

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curve or plot of the relative response of the photocell
versus wavelength of light.

Procedure

• Choose a specific position for the source and

mount it using a holder, make sure it is stable.
• Select the bulb with the lowest power rating and
connect it to the holder as shown in the figure.
• Connect the LDR, battery(6V) and the multimeter
in series.
• Set the multimeter to ohm section and select
suitable range and measure the resistance with a
bulb on.
• Similarly switch to current section and move to
micro ampere in the multimeter. This gives the
value of the current.
• Repeat these steps with different power sources at
different distances and note down observations.

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Observations

1. 15 watts (yellow) (wavelength = 570 nm)

Serial No Distance Resistance Current

from source (kilo ohm) (micro
(cm) ampere)

2.15 watts (incandescent) (mean wavelength = 610 nm)

Serial No Distance Resistance Current
from source (kilo ohm) (micro
(cm) ampere)
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3.40 watts (incandescent) (mean wavelength = 610 nm)
Serial No Distance Resistance Current
from source (kilo ohm) (micro
(cm) ampere)

4. 20 watts (CFL) (white light)

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Serial No Distance Resistance Current
from source (kilo ohm) (micro
(cm) ampere)

Conclusion and Result

• The LDR resistance decreases with increase in

intensity of light and hence there is an increase in
the flow of current.

• There is an increase in the current as the distance

from the source decreases.

• The intensity decreases as the distance from the

source increases.

• The error lies within the experimental limit.

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Sources of Error

• The LDR may not be perpendicular to the source.

• Connections may be faulty.

• The experiment should be conducted in a dark

room.

• Measurements should be taken accurately.

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Bibliography

• NCERT Physics Class XII

• https://www.wikipedia.org/

• https://www.seminarsonly.com/Engineering-
Projects/Physics/variation-of-current.php

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