True or False: Photovoltaic action involves electrons striking connected plates, building opposite charges like a battery.

Photovoltaic action relates to the generation of electricity in a solar cell when it absorbs sunlight. This process does involve the movement of electrons; however, it does not simply mean that electrons strike connected plates to build opposite charges like a battery. Instead, when photons from sunlight hit the photovoltaic material, they transfer their energy to electrons, which can then move freely within the material. This movement of electrons creates an electric current and establishes a flow of electricity.

In contrast to a battery, where a chemical reaction generates a buildup of opposite charges between two electrodes, photovoltaic action generates current through the absorption of energy and the liberation of electrons without requiring connected plates to build opposite charges. Therefore, stating that photovoltaic action involves electrons striking connected plates inaccurately represents the process, making the statement false.