How the Sun Works

Scientists use models of the Sun to better understand how it works. The currently accepted model of the Sun indicates that it has a dense core surrounded by different layers. How is energy transferred from the core of the Sun to its outer layers?

• Energy radiates outward from the core as visible light.

• Energy is carried inward from the outer layers by convection.

• Energy is radiated out from the core first, then carried to the outer layers by convection.

• Energy is carried out from the core by convection first, then radiated to the outer layers.

Scientists have modeled the behavior of the Sun for many years. Some models show how the Sun's magnetic field gets tangled up as the Sun rotates. These tangled magnetic fields can lift extra energy to the surface in an explosive event that releases solar material into space. Which solar event is explained by this model?

• auroras

• flares

• prominences

• sunspots

Scientists understand the nuclear reactions that occur in the Sun’s core, but want to predict how the Sun will change with time as it consumes more of its hydrogen fuel. Which of the following would be the best method to study how the Sun will change over the next few billion years?

• Observe and record data about the Sun over the next few billion years.

• Build a small model of the Sun that can be manipulated in a laboratory.

• Construct a detailed computer model and use it to simulate what happens as the Sun ages.

• Observe the changes in a younger, very distant star that is thought to be similar to the Sun.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-1

Patrick wants to create a computer model of the Sun's rotation. Which of the following designs would be the most accurate?

• He should show the Sun rotating at the same rate as Earth.

• He should show the Sun rotating more rapidly at its equator than at its poles.

• He should show the Sun rotating and revolving in exactly the same period of time.

• He should show the interior and exterior of the Sun rotating at the same rate of speed.

What is the significance of the Sun's spectra in understanding solar energy production?

• It helps identify the chemical composition of the Sun.

• It measures the gravitational pull of the Sun.

• It determines the age of the Sun.

• It calculates the distance of the Sun from Earth.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

What is the importance of the Sun's spectrum in understanding solar energy production?

• It helps identify the chemical composition of the Sun.

• It measures the gravitational attraction of the Sun.

• It determines the age of the Sun.

• It calculates the distance from the Sun to the Earth.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Which statement describes sunspots?

• Sunspots have a bright white appearance.

• Sunspots occur in the radiation zone of the Sun.

• Sunspots occur in areas of extremely low magnetic fields.

• Sunspots have lower temperatures than their surroundings.

Although scientists are unable to explore the Sun’s layers directly with instruments, they can measure the change in the speeds of the surface layers and the temperature of those layers from Earth. Using this data, scientists have created models of the Sun and we now know that the sunspots that form on the surface are the areas of coolest temperature for this star. At the sunspots, temperatures are merely 3700 Kelvin (K). What does this indirect information about the Sun confirm?

• The Sun has a structure similar to Earth's structure.

• Storms form on the surface of the Sun, similar to the atmosphere of Earth.

• The Sun's photosphere has properties of a solid, similar to the crust of Earth.

• Convection occurs in parts of the Sun, similar to convection in the mantle of Earth.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

An astronomer sets up her telescope to photograph the Sun during a total solar eclipse. This type of eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth. Which layer of the Sun can be viewed during a total solar eclipse?

• convection zone

• core

• corona

• sunspots

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Which is the hottest part of the sun?

• Corona

• Photosphere

• Core

• Radiative Zone