Sun and Forces

What is the primary tool used to study sunspots, prominences, CMEs, and solar flares?

• Hubble Space Telescope

• Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO)

• James Webb Space Telescope

• International Space Station

Answer explanation

The Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) is specifically designed to observe and study solar phenomena such as sunspots, prominences, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and solar flares, making it the primary tool for these observations.

What is the outermost layer of the Sun's atmosphere?

• Photosphere

• Chromosphere

• Corona

• Radiative Zone

Answer explanation

The outermost layer of the Sun's atmosphere is the corona. It extends millions of kilometers into space and is visible during a solar eclipse, while the photosphere and chromosphere are layers beneath it.

Which layer of the Sun lies directly above the core?

• Photosphere

• Radiative Zone

• Convective Zone

• Chromosphere

Answer explanation

The layer of the Sun that lies directly above the core is the Radiative Zone. This zone is responsible for the transfer of energy from the core outward through radiation before it reaches the outer layers.

What is the function of the Sun's core?

• To emit light

• To produce solar flares

• To generate energy through nuclear fusion

• To reflect solar wind

Answer explanation

The Sun's core generates energy through nuclear fusion, where hydrogen atoms combine to form helium, releasing vast amounts of energy. This process is essential for the Sun's light and heat, making it the correct function.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-1

What is unusual about the temperature profile of the Sun's atmosphere?

• It decreases steadily outward

• It remains constant

• It increases in the corona

• It is hottest in the photosphere

Answer explanation

The unusual aspect of the Sun's atmosphere is that the temperature increases in the corona, contrary to expectations. Typically, temperatures decrease with altitude, but the corona is significantly hotter than the photosphere.

Which layer of the Sun is responsible for its visible light?

• Core

• Photosphere

• Chromosphere

• Corona

Answer explanation

The photosphere is the layer of the Sun that emits visible light. It is the outer layer of the Sun's atmosphere, where light is produced and can be observed from Earth.

What is the primary cause of space weather?

• Solar flares

• Magnetic fields

• Solar wind

• Sunspots

Answer explanation

The primary cause of space weather is magnetic fields, which interact with solar wind and solar flares. These magnetic interactions lead to phenomena like geomagnetic storms, making magnetic fields the key driver of space weather.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-3

What is the primary characteristic of the Sun's chromosphere?

• It is the hottest layer

• It is the densest layer

• It is a thin, reddish layer

• It is the outermost layer

Answer explanation

The Sun's chromosphere is characterized as a thin, reddish layer that lies above the photosphere. It is visible during solar eclipses and is known for its distinct color due to the presence of hydrogen.

The fusion process of converting hydrogen into helium in the Sun is known as the __________.

• Proton-proton chain

• CNO cycle

• Triple-alpha process

• Neutron capture

Answer explanation

The fusion process of converting hydrogen into helium in the Sun is primarily known as the proton-proton chain. This process is the dominant energy source in stars like the Sun, unlike the CNO cycle or the triple-alpha process.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-1

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Using techniques learned in the laboratory, which method is used to catalog the active regions on the Sun’s surface?

• Spectroscopy

• Photometry

• Sunspot counting

• Doppler imaging

Answer explanation

Sunspot counting is the method used to catalog active regions on the Sun's surface. It involves observing and recording the number of sunspots, which are indicators of solar activity.