Quick Answer: The Photocell is a light-sensitive laboratory component that gives an electrical response to light, used in physics and electronics experiments on light sensing and light-operated switching.
Last updated: October 2026
Key Features
Turns changes in light intensity into a change in electrical reading
Connects into experiment circuits with a power supply, resistor and meter where needed
Used for automatic street light and burglar alarm models
Compact and easy to connect
Technical Specifications
Specification
Value
Product type
Light-sensitive laboratory component
Function
Detects light and produces an electrical response
Use
Light sensing, switching circuits and illumination experiments
About This Product
Students connect the photocell into a circuit, shine a lamp, torch or sunlight on it and watch the reading on a voltmeter, ammeter or multimeter. Moving the light source closer or further away, or changing its brightness, shows how the output follows the light intensity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Photocell need a power supply?
That depends on the circuit; some experiments use a power supply, resistor, meter or external circuit with it.
