Structure of the sun

Question 1

Composition of the sun

Answer 1

hydrogen (about 70%) and helium (about 28%)

Question 2

How old is the sun?

Answer 2

4.5 billion years

Question 3

The regions of the sun

Answer 3

Core
Radiative zone
Convective zone
Photosphere
Chromosphere
Corona

Question 4

The core:

Answer 4

the innermost 20–25% of the Sun’s radius
15 million kelvin (K)
thermonuclear fusion
produces all the heat and light

Question 5

What is thermonuclear fusion?

Answer 5

This is a process in which atoms combine to form larger atoms and in the process release staggering amounts of energy.

Question 6

Radiative zone:

Answer 6

radiative diffusion and thermal conduction
gamma-rays and x-rays
171,000 years to leave
about 7 million to about 2 million K

Question 7

Convection zone:

Answer 7

a large temperature difference
2 million K to 5800 K
convective fluid flows (boiling motion)

Question 8

Photosphere:

Answer 8

surface of the Sun
white
about 5800K
sunspots

Question 9

Atmosphere:

Answer 9

Chromosphere: 4300 to 8300 K from inside edge to outside edge
Corona: about 2 million K
prominences