The Sun

The sun converts matter into energy in the

• corona.
• radiative zone
• convection zone
• core

Most of the sun’s energy is a result of

• nuclear fusion  
• nuclear fission
• atomic reactions
• coronal mass ejection

When hydrogen nuclei fuse into helium nuclei

• the nuclei die.
• energy is released.
• particles collide
• particles neutralize.

Auroras are frequently seen

• near the equator.
• before a sunspot cycle.
• every 11 years.
• after solar flares.

Which of the following is NOT a solar ejection?

• solar flare
• prominence
• sunspot
• coronal mass ejection

Sunspots vary in a cycle that lasts about

• 110 yrs
• 11,000 yrs
• 11 yrs
• 110,000 yrs

Strong magnetic fields on regions of the sun lead to sunspots because

• convection slows and energy decreases.
• convection increases and energy increases.
• radiation slows and energy decreases.
• radiation increases and energy increases.

In the equation E=mc², the letter E represents

• the energy that is produced.
• the mass that is converted.
• the speed of light.
• the distance to Earth from the sun.

What is the hottest layer of the sun’s atmosphere called?

• convective zone
• corona
• radiative zone
• photosphere

What elements make up most of the sun’s mass?

• carbon and oxygen
• carbon and hydrogen
• helium and nitrogen
• hydrogen and helium