P2 topic 10 solar astronamy

Question 1

Describe how sunspots are formed

Answer 1

they are formed buy strong magnetic fields that restrict upward movement of plasma, they have a lower temperature then surrounding areas,

Question 2

how do you find the mean length of the solar cycle

Answer 2

Use of two successive minima (1)

Use of more than two successive minima (1)

Question 3

what internal division of the sun contains rising currents of hot solar plasma

Answer 3

convective zone

Question 4

what internal division of the sun has a temperature similar to that of the Sun’s corona at its base

Answer 4

convective zone

Question 5

describe what is meant by a transit

Answer 5

a minor planet that crosses the disc of the sun

Question 6

explain why projection method this a safe way of observing the sun

Answer 6

because you are not looking directly at it, the projection is much dimmer, there is no damage to the eye (retina)

Question 7

why is using a H-alpha filter a safe method of observing the sun

Answer 7

The light passing through the telescope is
greatly reduced in brightness / intensity (1)
The H-alpha filter absorbs most of the Sun’s
radiation (1)
There is no damage to the eye (retina) (1)

Question 8

explain what is meant by the term thermonuclear fusion

Answer 8

Joining together nuclei to produce energy

Question 9

explain why thermonuclear fusion can only occur at a very high temperatures

Answer 9

Nuclei have similar charges (1)
and tend to repel each other (1)

Question 10

in the first stage of the proton cycle what particle is represented by the letter e

Answer 10

Positron

Question 11

in the first stage of the proton cycle what particle is represented by the letter v

Answer 11

Neutrino

Question 12

what is the temperature at the top of the lower atmosphere

Answer 12

100,000k

Question 13

explain how the solar wind is responsible for the formation of a comet’s ion tail

Answer 13

Charged particles in solar wind ionise atoms

(molecules) in the comet (1)
These emit light / fluoresce when they de-excite

Question 14

explain how the solar wind is responsible for the formation of aurorae

Answer 14

Charged particles in the solar wind ionise atoms
/ molecules in the Earth’s atmosphere (1)
Charged particles in the solar wind are deflected
(1)
…to polar regions (1)

Atoms / molecules emit light when they de-
excite (1)

Colours depend on whether oxygen or nitrogen
(or other gases) are excited / de-excite (1)

Question 15

how would i calculate the solar rotation period at a latitude

Answer 15

Estimate of longitude difference = 50° (1)
Precise value for longitude difference = 52° (1)
Calculation of ratios: 360° / 52° = 6.923… (1)
Calculation: period = 6.923… x 4 days (1)
Evaluation: period = 27.7 days (1)