Chapter 10 Flashcards
“The corona is hotter than the photosphere.” Which of the following statements provides observational evidence for this claim?
The corona primarily emits X rays while the photosphere primarily emits visible light.
A solar model is used to calculate interior conditions based on certain “known” characteristics of the Sun, such the Sun’s total mass. How do we know the Sun’s mass?
We can calculate it by applying Newton’s version of Kepler’s third law with Earth’s orbital period (1 year) and Earth’s average distance from the Sun (1 AU).
Which of these layers of the Sun is coolest?
photosphere
Which of these groups of particles has the greatest mass?
4 individual protons
Scientists estimate the central temperature of the Sun using
mathematical models of the Sun
At the center of the Sun, fusion converts hydrogen into
helium, energy and neutrinos
How does the number of neutrinos passing through your body at night compare with the number passing through your body during the day?
about the same
Solar energy leaves the core of the Sun in the form of
photons
Why do sunspots appear darker than their surroundings?
they are cooler than their surroundings
Which of these things poses the greatest hazard to communications satellites?
particles from the sun
What causes the cycle of solar activity?
changes in the organization of the Sun’s magnetic field
in which layers of the Sun does nuclear fusion occur?
core
Which of the following layers of the Sun can be seen with some type of telescope? Consider all forms of light, but do not consider neutrinos or other particles.
corona, photosphere, chromosphere
