Detecting light

Let's look at the following new sensor that we are dealing with. We will be using a LDR, which stands for a Light Dependent Resistor. A LDR works on the principle of photo-conductivity An LDR is shown in the following figure to familiarize you with it:

Detecting light

Image source : http://ninjagecko.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/ldr.jpg

Photo conductivity is an optical phenomenon in which the material's conductivity (ability of the device to allow free flow of electrical charge) is increased when light is absorbed by the material.

Note

Remember, photo means light in Greek.

The surface of the LDR is made of this photo-conductive material. Typically, the resistance (apposition to the free flow of electrical charge) of the LDR is very high when there is no light falling on it. When light strikes the surface of the LDR, the resistance drops because of photo-conductivity and allows more current to flow across it as shown in the following representation:

Detecting light

Image source: http://www.tnt-audio.com/jpg/ldrs.jpg

Also note that, the resistance of the LDR depends on the amount of light falling on it. The greater the amount of light, the lower the resistance, as shown in the following diagram:

Detecting light

Image source : https://www.kitronik.co.uk/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/how_a-light_depedant_resistor_works_resistance_v_light_intensity.jpg

Now that we know how the LDR works, shall we move ahead? Yes? That's the spirit!

..................Content has been hidden....................

You can't read the all page of ebook, please click here login for view all page.
Reset
3.16.69.143