Chapter 6 Flashcard Lessons 1-3

Front

What is the core of the sun?

Back

The core is the innermost layer of the sun where nuclear fusion occurs, producing an enormous amount of energy.

Front

What process occurs when hydrogen atoms join to form helium?

Back

Nuclear fusion is the process in which hydrogen atoms combine under extreme pressure and temperature to form helium, releasing energy.

Front

What defines a planet in our solar system?

Back

A planet is an object that is round, orbits the sun, and has cleared out the region of the solar system along its orbit.

Front

What is the heliocentric model?

Back

The heliocentric model is the astronomical model in which the Earth and other planets revolve around the sun.

Front

What is an astronomical unit (AU)?

Back

An astronomical unit is the average distance between the Earth and the sun, approximately 150,000,000 kilometers.

Front

What is the solar flare?

Back

A solar flare is a sudden eruption of intense high-energy radiation from the sun's surface.

Front

What is the convection zone of the sun?

Back

The convection zone is the outer layer of the sun's interior where energy is transferred by convection currents.

Front

What is the radiation zone of the sun?

Back

The radiation zone is the layer of the sun where energy is transferred outward by radiation, taking millions of years to pass through.

Front

What is a dwarf planet?

Back

A dwarf planet is a celestial body that orbits the sun, is round, but has not cleared its orbital path of other debris.

Front

What is a solar system?

Back

A solar system consists of a star and all the celestial bodies that are bound to it by gravity, including planets, moons, asteroids, and comets.