Definition

A flow of electric charge that is generated when light hits a special material.

Example

The photocurrent increased significantly when the light intensity was raised.

Conversation

Have you heard about the concept of photocurrent in physics?

Yeah, I think it has something to do with light and electricity, right?

Exactly! It's the electric current generated when light hits a material.

That sounds really interesting; I should read more about it!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Photocurrent → It is formed from "photo-" (from Greek "phōs", meaning light) and "current" (from Latin "currere", meaning to run). The word "photocurrent" refers to an electric current produced by the absorption of light.

Memory Tip

Think of 'light' ('photo-') causing something to 'run' ('current') — that's how photocurrent is created.

Visually Confused Words