Earth Science Chapter 26.1 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the source of the sun's energy?

The sun's energy is produced in its central region by the fusion of hydrogen nuclei into helium nuclei.

What two forces in the sun interact to produce a stable structure?

The inward pull of gravity and the outward push of thermal pressure from nuclear fusion.

List the layers of the sun's interior from the center outward and briefly describe each one.

The sun's interior consists of the core, the radiation zone, and the convection zone.

Describe each of the layers of the sun's atmosphere from the surface outward.

The sun's atmosphere consists of three layers: the photosphere, the chromosphere, and the corona. Signup and view all the answers

Describe three features that exist on or above the sun's surface.

Features of the sun's atmosphere include sunspots, prominences, and solar flares. Signup and view all the answers

How have scientists learned about the sun's interior?

Scientists have sent satellites out into space that have captured information about the sun, allowing them to make inferences about what the sun is made of. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Source of the Sun's Energy

Energy is generated through nuclear fusion of hydrogen nuclei into helium.

Stability of the Sun

The equilibrium of the sun is maintained by the balance between gravitational forces pulling inward and thermal pressure from fusion pushing outward.

Layers of the Sun's Interior

Core: The innermost layer where fusion occurs.
Radiation Zone: Surrounds the core; energy moves slowly outward through radiation.
Convection Zone: Outer layer; heat is transferred by convection currents.

Layers of the Sun's Atmosphere

Photosphere: The visible surface of the sun, emits light and heat.
Chromosphere: The layer above the photosphere, observed during solar eclipses.
Corona: The outermost layer, extending millions of kilometers into space, visible during a total solar eclipse.

Features on or Above the Sun's Surface

Sunspots: Cooler, dark spots on the photosphere caused by magnetic activity.
Prominences: Large, bright features extending from the sun's surface, often in loop shapes.
Solar Flares: Sudden eruptions of energy and radiation from the sun's surface.

Studying the Sun's Interior

Scientists utilize satellites to gather data about the sun, enabling insights into its composition and internal processes.

Description

Test your knowledge of Earth's energy sources and structural stability with this set of flashcards. This quiz focuses on key concepts such as solar energy generation, layers of the sun, and the forces at play within the sun. Perfect for reviewing or reinforcing your understanding of this critical topic in Earth Science.