Solar Cycle and Sunspots Assessment PDF

Name:_____________________ Date:__________ Solar Cycle and Sunspots Assessment 1. What is the Solar Cycle? a) A cycle of Earth's seasons b) The periodic change in solar activity over approximately 11 years c) The orbit of the Earth around the Sun d) A cycle of lunar phases 2. What are sunspots?...

Name:_____________________ Date:__________ Solar Cycle and Sunspots Assessment 1. What is the Solar Cycle? a) A cycle of Earth's seasons b) The periodic change in solar activity over approximately 11 years c) The orbit of the Earth around the Sun d) A cycle of lunar phases 2. What are sunspots? a) Bright areas on the Sun's surface b) Darker regions caused by magnetic activity c) Solar flares erupting from the Sun d) Planets that reflect sunlight 3. During which phase of the Solar Cycle do sunspots typically increase in number? a) Solar minimum b) Solar maximum c) Solar eclipse d) Solar flare 4. How do sunspots affect solar energy output? a) They increase energy output b) They have no effect on energy output c) They decrease energy output d) They only affect Earth's temperature 5. What causes sunspots to form? a) Changes in the Earth’s atmosphere b) Variations in the Sun’s magnetic field c) The Sun’s rotation speed d) The position of the planets 6. What is a solar flare? a) A large explosion on the Sun's surface b) A type of sunspot c) A solar storm affecting Earth's atmosphere d) A bright light seen during the night 7. What is the average duration of the Solar Cycle? a) 5 years b) 7 years c) 11 years d) 15 years 8. How can sunspots impact Earth? a) By causing day and night b) By disrupting satellite communications c) By changing the length of seasons d) By altering ocean currents 9. What instrument is primarily used to observe sunspots? a) A telescope b) A microscope c) A spectrometer d) A barometer 10. Which of the following best describes the relationship between sunspot activity and solar radiation? a) More sunspots mean less solar radiation b) More sunspots mean more solar radiation c) Sunspots have no effect on solar radiation d) Sunspot activity is unrelated to solar cycles Open-Ended Questions 1. Describe the Solar Cycle and explain its phases. How do changes in solar activity during the cycle, such as the occurrence of sunspots, affect Earth and its environment? 2. Discuss the relationship between sunspots and solar flares. How do these solar phenomena influence space weather, and what impact can they have on technology and life on Earth? Provide specific examples.