What happens when sunlight strikes a photovoltaic cell?atoms are split, resulting in a release of energycarbon dioxide is released as a waste productelectrons are released, causing a flow of electrical currentsmall tubes of water are heated, producing a flow of energy

When sunlight strikes a photovoltaic cell, electrons are released, causing a flow of electrical current. Here's the step-by-step process:

1. Photovoltaic cells are made of semiconductor material, commonly silicon, which absorbs sunlight.

2. When the sunlight hits the semiconductor material, the energy from the sunlight is transferred to the semiconductor.

3. This energy excites the electrons in the semiconductor material.

4. The excited electrons are knocked loose from their atoms. This movement of electrons creates an electrical current.

5. This electrical current is captured by conductive metal plates on the sides of the cell. This current is then directed to the wires, thus providing electrical power.

6. The electrical power can then be used immediately or stored in a battery for later use.

So, the correct answer to your question is "electrons are released, causing a flow of electrical current".