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What causes the Sun to shine?
Due to nuclear fusion in its core, which began approximately 4.6 billion years ago.
What are the two types of balance that allow the Sun to shine steadily?
Gravitational Equilibrium and Energy Balance.
What is the core of the Sun?
The site of nuclear fusion.
What is the Radiation Zone?
The layer where energy is transported outward by radiation.
What is the Convection Zone?
The layer where energy is transported by convection currents.
What is the Photosphere?
The surface layer of the Sun from which photons can freely escape into space.
What is the Chromosphere?
The warmer layer above the Photosphere.
What is the Corona?
The very hot outer atmosphere of the Sun.
How does nuclear fusion occur in the Sun?
Through the Proton-Proton Chain, where extreme temperature and density allows hydrogen to fuse into helium.
What role does Gravitational Equilibrium play in the Sun?
It acts as a thermostat, keeping the fusion rate steady.
How does energy from fusion escape the Sun?
Through Radiative Diffusion and Convection.
What are Theoretical Models in relation to the Sun?
Models that use known laws of physics to predict and explain observations of the Sun.
What do Solar Vibrations tell us?
They help in studying sound waves traveling through the Sun.
How do we detect Solar Neutrinos?
By detecting neutrinos produced by nuclear fusion in the Sun's core.
What causes solar activity?
Strong magnetic fields that lead to phenomena like sunspots, flares, and coronal mass ejections.
What is the Sunspot Cycle?
The variation in the number of sunspots on the Sun’s surface, averaging 11 years.
What does the Magnetic Cycle refer to?
The flip-flopping of the Sun’s magnetic field every 11 years, resulting in a 22-year cycle.
How does solar activity relate to the Sun’s magnetic field?
Solar activity is tied to the Sun's changing magnetic field, created by convection and rotation patterns.
Flashcard #1
Term: Nuclear Fusion
Definition: The process by which the Sun produces energy by fusing hydrogen into helium in its core.
Flashcard #2
Term: Gravitational Equilibrium
Definition: A balance that keeps the Sun stable by countering gravitational collapse.
Flashcard #3
Term: Energy Balance
Definition: The balance between the energy produced in the core and the energy radiated into space.
Flashcard #4
Term: Core
Definition: The innermost part of the Sun where nuclear fusion occurs.
Flashcard #5
Term: Radiation Zone
Definition: The layer surrounding the core where energy moves outward through radiation.
Flashcard #6
Term: Convection Zone
Definition: The layer above the radiation zone where energy is transported by convection currents.
Flashcard #7
Term: Photosphere
Definition: The visible surface layer of the Sun.
Flashcard #8
Term: Chromosphere
Definition: The layer above the photosphere, characterized by a reddish glow.
Flashcard #9
Term: Corona
Definition: The Sun's outer atmosphere, visible during solar eclipses.
Flashcard #10
Term: Proton-Proton Chain
Definition: The dominant fusion process in the Sun's core.
Flashcard #11
Term: Solar Activity
Definition: Phenomena caused by the Sun's magnetic fields, including sunspots and flares.
Flashcard #12
Term: Sunspot Cycle
Definition: The periodic cycle of increased and decreased sunspot activity, averaging 11 years.
Flashcard #13
Term: Magnetic Cycle
Definition: The 22-year cycle during which the Sun's magnetic field flips.
Flashcard #14
Term: Solar Neutrinos
Definition: Particles produced in the nuclear fusion process that can be detected on Earth.
Flashcard #15
Term: Theoretical Models
Definition: Models based on physics that help explain and predict solar behavior.
Flashcard #16
Term: Solar Vibrations
Definition: Sound waves in the Sun that provide insights into its internal structure.
What is the Sun's magnetic field?
The Sun's magnetic field is a complex magnetic field generated by the motion of charged particles in the Sun's interior, which influences solar activity and affects space weather.
What is the role of a thermostat mechanism in the Sun?
The thermostat mechanism in the Sun adjusts the rate of nuclear fusion through gravitational equilibrium, maintaining a balance that prevents the Sun from overheating or collapsing.
What happens to the fusion rate in the Sun during periods of increased solar activity?
The fusion rate increases due to the higher temperatures and pressures caused by enhanced magnetic activity, leading to more energy production.
What happens to the fusion rate in the Sun during periods of decreased solar activity?
The fusion rate decreases as lower temperatures and pressures result from reduced magnetic activity, leading to less energy production.
What is hydrostatic equilibrium in the context of the Sun?
Hydrostatic equilibrium is the state in which the gravitational force pulling inward on the Sun is balanced by the pressure of the hot gas pushing outward, maintaining the Sun's stability.
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