Layers of the Sun Quiz

Questions and Answers

What is the center of the sun called?

Radiative Zone

Core (correct)

Convection Zone

Photosphere

What is the radiative zone of the sun?

The layer after the core, it is 32% of the sun's volume and 48% of its mass, where light gets scattered and can take millions of years to pass through.

What characterizes the convection zone of the sun?

It comprises 66% of the sun's volume and about 2% of its mass, dominated by convection cells of gas.

What is the photosphere?

The lowest layer of the sun's atmosphere that emits the light we see and is closest to the surface. Signup and view all the answers

What are the main features of the core layer of the sun?

It is the center of the sun, the hottest layer, accounting for nearly half of the sun's mass and has 2% of its volume. Signup and view all the answers

What are the key details about the convection zone?

It takes up 66% of the sun's volume and around 2% of its mass, characterized by convection cells that transport energy outwards. Signup and view all the answers

What defines the radiative zone's interaction with light?

In the radiative zone, light gets scattered and can take millions of years to navigate through. Signup and view all the answers

What similarities exist between the core and the radiative zone?

Both are internal layers of the sun but differ in temperature, density, and function. Signup and view all the answers

What is a unique characteristic of the photosphere compared to other layers?

It is the only layer that emits light visible to the eyes. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sun Layers Overview

The sun consists of several distinct layers, each with unique characteristics and functions.

Core

Central region of the sun, hottest area, containing nearly half of the sun's mass.
Accounts for about 2% of the sun's total volume.
Has a density approximately 15 times that of lead.

Radiative Zone

Follows the core and occupies about 32% of the sun's volume, containing 48% of its mass.
Light in this layer becomes scattered and can take millions of years to pass through.
Recognized as the thickest layer of the sun.
Energy from this zone takes approximately 8 minutes to reach Earth.

Convection Zone

Comprises about 66% of the sun's volume but only around 2% of its mass.
Characterized by convection cells of gas that dominate energy movement.
Contains solar convection cells, including granular and supergranulation cells.
Convection cells function to push energy outwards toward the sun's surface.

Photosphere

The lowest layer of the sun's atmosphere, responsible for emitting the visible light that reaches Earth.
Closest layer to the sun's surface and crucial for solar observations.

Description

Test your knowledge about the different layers of the sun with this quiz. Learn about the core, radiative zone, and convection zone, their characteristics, and importance in solar dynamics. Perfect for astronomy enthusiasts!