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.

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

During nuclear fusion in the sun, which of the following occurs?

• Atomic nuclei split apart.
• The aurora australis appears.
• hydrogen nuclei combine to produce a helium nucleus.
• A solar eclipse results

What is a prominence on the sun?

• a part of the sun’s corona, a cloud of colored gas
• a disturbance in the sun’s atmosphere; an arched, glowing cloud of gas
• a part of the convective zone, a cool area with powerful magnetic fields
• a magnetic disruption in the sun’s photosphere

What are northern lights?

• Auroras
• solar flares
• prominences
• coronas