Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

What happens to electrons during sensor exposure?

1. They disperse.

2. They evaporate.

3. They accumulate.

4. They freeze.

The correct answer is: They accumulate.

During sensor exposure, electrons accumulate in response to incoming light photons. This process occurs in the sensor's photodiodes, which convert the photons into electrical charges. The amount of charge generated is proportional to the intensity of light hitting the sensor, creating a latent image that can later be processed. This accumulation is essential for the digital image formation, as it allows for the varying light levels across the sensor to be translated into a digital signal. The other options do not accurately reflect what occurs during this process. Dispersing, evaporating, or freezing do not pertain to the activity of electrons in the context of sensor exposure. Instead, the key concept here is the accumulation of electrons which directly affects image quality and detail in the resulting photograph.