Surface photovoltage

Surface photovoltage is a big word that describes what happens when light shines on a surface, like a piece of paper or a rock. When the light hits the surface, it gives energy to the electrons in the material, which makes them move around.

Think of electrons like tiny little balls that are jumping around inside the material. When you shine light on the material, it's like you gave the balls a push, and they start bouncing around even more. They get really excited and start moving around a lot faster.

When the electrons move, they create a voltage, which is like an electric charge. This voltage is called the surface photovoltage, and it can be measured by special instruments.

Scientists use surface photovoltage to study all kinds of things, from the properties of materials like silicon or metal, to how light interacts with different surfaces.

So, in simple terms, surface photovoltage is what happens when you shine light on a surface and the electrons in that surface get really excited and start moving around, creating an electric charge that scientists can measure.