Understanding the Sun and Its Energy

Front

In the Sun's core, ____________ atoms fuse to form __________, releasing huge amounts of energy.

Back

Hydrogen atoms fuse into helium atoms

Front

How old is the Sun and Earth?

Back

4.5 Billion Years

Front

What is spectroscopy?

Back

Spectroscopy is the study of how light can be split into different colors (wavelengths).

Front

How will the amount of hydrogen in the Sun change over time?

Back

Over time, hydrogen in the Sun’s core will decrease as helium increases.

Front

What is the relationship between temperature and luminosity in Main Sequence stars?

Back

Main sequence stars: Hotter stars are more luminous, cooler stars are dimmer.

As temperature increases, luminosity increases.

Front

What is the temperature and luminosity of White Dwarf stars? (high / low)

Back

White dwarfs: Very hot but low luminosity (small size).

Front

Where do stars begin their life?

Back

Stars form in nebulae: clouds of gas and dust.

Front

What is the driving force in the formation of a star? (What pulls the material into a protostar?)

Back

Gravity pulls material together

Front

A star is ‘born’ once_________________ begins in its core.

Back

nuclear fusion

Front

When _________________ are balanced, stars remain stable (main sequence).

Back

fusion and gravity