Earth and Space Science Midterm

What is the sun primarily made of?

Hydrogen (91.2%) and Helium (7.8%)

What process powers the suns energy production?

Nuclear fusion in the core, where hydrogen fuses into helium

Fill in the blank. The suns visible surface is called the …

Photosphere

How does energy move through the radiative zone?

energy moves outward as light, taking up to a million years to escape

What are sunspots?

sunspots are cooler darker areas on the photosphere caused by magnetic activity

Fill in the blank. The suns outermost layer is the …

Corona

Compare the energy released by nuclear and chemical reactions

nuclear reactions release a lot more energy them chemical reactions

describe the electromagnetic spectrum

full range of electromagnetic radiation, from radio waves to gamma waves

Which type of electromagnetic wave has the shortest wavelength?

Gamma rays have the shortest wave length and highest energy

What is the solar cycle?

11 year cycle where the number of sunspots rises and falls between solar maximum and minimum

Fill in the blank. Shorter wavelengths have … energy

higher

How do solar ovens benefit people in low income countries?

they provide safer cleaner cooking, reducing air pollution and health risks

What info does a stars absorption spectrum provide?

it reveals which elements are present in the stars atmosphere

What is the main difference