How the Sun Works

Which process in the Sun's core is responsible for releasing energy that eventually reaches Earth?

• Nuclear fission

• Nuclear fusion

• Chemical combustion

• Radioactive decay

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

NGSS.HS-ESS1-1

What is the primary element being fused in the Sun's core to produce energy?

• Helium

• Carbon

• Hydrogen

• Oxygen

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

NGSS.HS-ESS1-1

How does the energy produced by nuclear fusion in the Sun's core reach the Earth?

• Through conduction

• Through convection

• As radiation

• As sound waves

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

NGSS.HS-ESS1-1

Which of the following best explains why the Sun can provide energy for billions of years?

• The Sun's core is made of infinite hydrogen.

• Nuclear fusion releases more energy than chemical combustion.

• The Sun continuously absorbs energy from space.

• The Sun's energy is replenished by nearby stars.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

NGSS.HS-ESS1-1

Develop a model to explain the role of nuclear fusion in the Sun's life cycle. Which of the following statements would be a part of your model?

• Nuclear fusion in the Sun's core converts helium into hydrogen.

• Nuclear fusion in the Sun's core converts hydrogen into helium, releasing energy.

• Nuclear fusion occurs in the Sun's photosphere.

• Nuclear fusion is responsible for the Sun's magnetic field.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

NGSS.HS-ESS1-1

Which evidence supports the claim that the Sun's energy is produced by nuclear fusion?

• The Sun's absorption lines match helium's absorption lines.

• The Sun's energy output has been decreasing over time.

• The Sun's surface temperature is lower than its core temperature.

• The Sun's energy is primarily in the form of sound waves.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

NGSS.HS-ESS1-1

What reasoning supports the claim that nuclear fusion, not chemical combustion, is responsible for the Sun's energy?

• Nuclear fusion can provide energy for billions of years, unlike chemical combustion.

• Chemical combustion is more efficient than nuclear fusion.

• The Sun's energy is primarily in the form of chemical bonds.

• Nuclear fusion occurs only in the Sun's outer layers.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

NGSS.HS-ESS1-1

Which of the following best describes the lifespan of the Sun in terms of nuclear fusion?

• The Sun will continue nuclear fusion indefinitely.

• The Sun will exhaust its hydrogen fuel and transition to fusing helium.

• The Sun will stop nuclear fusion once it reaches its maximum size.

• The Sun's nuclear fusion is independent of its fuel supply.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

NGSS.HS-ESS1-1

What causes the appearance of spectral lines in the light spectrum of a star?

• Absorption and emission of light by elements in the star's atmosphere.

• Reflection of light from the star's surface.

• Gravitational lensing by nearby planets.

• Magnetic fields distorting the light waves.

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NGSS.HS-PS4-3

NGSS.HS-PS4-4

How can spectral lines be used to determine the composition of a distant star?

• By matching the spectral lines to known elements' emission and absorption lines.

• By measuring the brightness of the star.

• By observing the star's size and temperature.

• By calculating the star's distance from Earth.

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-2