Unit F: The Sun as a Star

The main source of energy on Earth is:

• The Moon

• The Sun

• The Stars

• Cosmic rays from the galaxy

The Sun’s energy comes from:

• Photosynthesis in plants

• The breakdown of heavy elements into light elements

• The fusion of hydrogen into helium

• The fusion of oxygen into carbon

The Sun has existed for about five billion years and will continue to shine for about another:

• One billion years

• Five billion years

• Ten billion years

• Twenty billion years

Radiation from the Sun:

• Streams past Earth without affecting Earth

• Warms Earth, causing circulation in the oceans and atmosphere

• Is completely stopped by Earth’s magnetic field

• Does not reach as far as Mars

Charged particles coming from the Sun are part of what is called the:

• Solar wind

• Great Red Spot

• Solar polar cap

• Coma

Cool, dark areas on the surface of the Sun are known as:

• Great dark spots

• Polar caps

• Freckles

• Sunspots

Which of the following statements about the solar system is not true?

• The planets all orbit in more or less the same plane

• The planets all orbit the Sun in the same direction

• The orbits of the major planets are nearly perfect circles

• The planets formed before the Sun

Charged particles from the Sun can strike the upper atmosphere, causing it to glow in a colorful display. What is this display called?

• Aurorae

• Solar wind

• Solar cycle

• Ion tail

The Sun is primarily composed of which gas?

• Lithium

• Helium

• Methane

• Hydrogen

The number of sunspots on the Sun changes in relation to the Sun's magnetic cycle.

• True

• False