The Sun

Question 1

core

Answer 1

The central region where nuclear reactions consume hydrogen to form helium

Question 2

radiative zone

Answer 2

Transfers the core’s high-energy nuclear explosions and the resulting plasma to the convection zone through radiation

Question 3

convection zone

Answer 3

The outermost layer of the interior. Energy is transported by convection in this region

Question 4

photosphere

Answer 4

The sun’s visible surface

Question 5

chromosphere

Answer 5

a thin layer of plasma that lies between the Sun’s visible surface (the photosphere) and the corona (the Sun’s upper atmosphere)

Question 6

corona

Answer 6

The Sun’s corona is the outermost part of the Sun’s atmosphere. The corona is usually hidden by the bright light of the Sun’s surface.

Question 7

hydrogen

Answer 7

About 75%of the sun is hydrogen, which is constantly fusing together and creating helium by a process called nuclear fusion.

Question 8

nuclear fusion

Answer 8

The process of hydrogen being converted to helium in the sun’s interior. During the process, some of the mass is converted into energy.

Question 9

solar wind

Answer 9

The solar wind is created by the outward expansion of plasma (a collection of charged particles) from the Sun’s corona (outermost atmosphere).

Question 10

prominence

Answer 10

is a large plasma and magnetic field structure extending outward from the Sun’s surface, often in a loop shape

Question 11

solar flare

Answer 11

Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy. Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts.

Question 12

star

Answer 12

a luminous ball of gas, mostly hydrogen and helium, held together by its own gravity