Chemistry and the Sun Flashcards
Matter
anything that has mass and volume
Solid
definite volume and shape
Liquid
no definite shape; definite volume
Gas
no definite shape or volume
Plasma
gas where some particles are ionized
Element
a substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances
Element examples
oxygen, hydrogen, chlorine
Atom
the smallest part of an element that has all the properties of that element
What are the 3 main subatomic particles?
electrons, protons, neutrons
Nucleus
protons and neutrons
What charge does the nucleus have?
positive
Electron cloud
energy levels inhabited by electrons
What is the overall charge of the electron cloud?
negative
What does fusion do to atoms?
combine
What does fission do to atoms?
splits
What does hydrogen fuse into? Where?
helium; in the sun
What type of temperatures does fusion create?
higher temperatures
What atoms start the reaction of fission? Where?
uranium; at nuclear power plants
What does fission create?
radioactive waste
What is the sun made of?
plasma
What is the sun’s average rotation?
27 days
What is the surface temperature of the sun?
5500 degrees C; 9932 degrees F
What is the interior temp of the sun?
15,000,000 degrees C; 27,000,000 degrees F
The sun ____________ energy into space.
radiates
What is the energy that the sun radiates into space called?
electromagnetic energy
What does electromagnetic energy travel in?
radiation
What does it mean if energy travels in radiation?
travels in straight lines; in rays
What takes place in the sun?
fusion
What energy does the sun mostly emit?
ultraviolet, visible light, and infrared waves
Cosmic Waves
high-energy particles that flow into our solar system
What are cosmic waves deflected by?
Earth’s magnetic field
