8th Unit 6: Our Solar System Assessment

The sun has several layers. Which layer is most visible to an observer on Earth? (8.E.5.6)

• photosphere

• radiative zone

• chromosphere

• core

Like Earth, the Sun rotates on its axis. What is true of the Sun’s rotation? (8.E.5.6)

• it rotates once every 24 hours

• its rotation varies with latitude

• it rotates on its side

• its rotation is not visible from Earth

How does a solar flare differ from a solar prominence?

• A solar prominence is an arc of gas above the Sun’s surface, while a solar flare is a sudden burst of energy and radiation.

• A solar flare is a relatively cool spot on the Sun, whereas a solar prominence is a hot spot on the surface.

• A solar flare emits gases, while a solar prominence is a cooler area on the Sun’s surface.

• A solar prominence occurs in the Sun’s core, while a solar flare happens in the Sun’s outer atmosphere.

The Sun is composed of several layers, each with a different set of characteristics, as illustrated in the

   drawing. Which area of the Sun is the hottest?

• A

• B

• D

• F

An astronomer observes a sunspot. Which of the following describes this feature of the Sun? (8.E.5.6)

• a location where heat rises to the Sun's surface

• a location that produces most of the Sun's heat energy

• a location that is cooler than the other parts of the Sun's surface

• a location where energy and matter leave the Sun's atmosphere

Allie’s teacher uses a lava lamp to model how convection happens inside the Sun. The wax is heated by a light source in the base of the lamp. How is the motion inside a lava lamp similar to the motion inside the convection zone of the Sun?

• The hot wax floats freely around the middle section of the lamp just as the hottest gases from the Sun float throughout the middle layers of the Sun.

• The wax sinks to the bottom of the lamp, where it cools like gas from the outer layers of the Sun sinks into the core where it cools.

• The wax sinks to the bottom of the lamp, gets heated, and rises to the top like hot gas moves in the Sun.

• The hot wax stays at the top of the lamp just as the hottest gases of the Sun stay on the surface.

Ben studied different historical models of the solar system. According to the geocentric model, what is at the center of the solar system?

• The Earth

• The Sun

• A moon

• A galaxy

Jackie drew the model of the solar system shown below. What is wrong with this model? (8.E.5.8)

• Earth is shown to be moving in the wrong direction.

• There are too many planets in the solar system shown.

• It shows the Sun moving in the wrong direction.

• The Sun is not in the correct location.

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Nicolaus Copernicus was the astronomer who first proposed a model of the universe with the Sun at the 

    center instead of Earth at the center. At that time, people did not believe his theory. What eventually 

    persuaded others that Copernicus was correct? (8.E.5.8)

• 1. a visit to the moon by astronauts

• 1. the opinions of other astronomers 

• 1. the invention and use of the telescope

• 1. the invention and use of satellites

Many years ago, people thought that the Sun revolved around Earth. Copernicus proposed that the Earth revolved around the Sun. What does this change in understanding show about scientific knowledge? (8.E.5.8)

• science allows for adjustments to be made as new evidence is found

• people have always believed that scientists can find the right answers

• before Copernicus, science was not based on observations

• people trust in science and always accept new ideas

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