Chapter 16

Question 1

We think the Sun’s level of energy output is only sustainable by thermonuclear fusion. Explain why we think that chemical reactions can’t be responsible.

Answer 1

The longest possible chemical reaction wouldn’t come close to lasting as log as the Sun’s burning has.

Question 2

Explain the difference between hydrostatic equilibrium and thermal equilibrium.

Answer 2

Hydrostatic equilibrium ensures that there is a certain density value for solar material at each depth of the Sun’s interior, while Thermal Equilibrium has to do with constant temperatures at each depth.

Question 3

Explain why observing neutrons instead of observing photons is the only way we can directly detect the workings of the center of the Sun.

Answer 3

Neutrons interact very minimally with matter in comparison to photons, so the neutrinos that pass through Earth are in the same unaltered state they were in when created in the solar core.

Question 4

Look at the some of the figures of the Sun in the chapter. They are taken in different wavelengths of light. What seems to be one of the most useful wavelengths of light for seeing the details of the Sun.

Answer 4

Ultraviolet wavelengths seem to be the worst at capturing details like prominence, corneal mass ejections and magnetic arches.