Chapter 29 The Sun Section 1 Review
Why does fusion occur in the sun's core but not in other layers?
The sun's core is hotter, and at a higher pressure than the outer layers
Explain how the sun converts matter into energy in its core.
1. two hydrogen nuclei (protons) collide and fuse 2. another proton combines with this proton-neutron pair to produce a nucleus made up of two protons and one neutron 3. two nuclei made up of two protons and one neutron collide and fuse.
Identify the two elements that make up most of the sun.
92% hydrogen and 7.8% helium
What might happen to the solar wind if the sun lost its corona?
It is unlikely to happen, but if it did happen, then the sun would just form another corona. There would still be solar wind with or without a corona.
Describe the three layers of the sun's atmosphere.
Photosphere-visible surface of the sun Chromosphere-thin layer just above the photosphere Corona-the outermost layer
Describe how scientists use spectra to determine the composition of stars.
They are able to use spectra because every chemical element has a characteristic spectrum.
Identify the end products of the nuclear fusion process that occurs in the sun.
a helium nucleus; mass changed into energy
Compare the radiative and convection zones of the sun.
radiation moves upward and outward
Describe whether the amount of hydrogen in the sun will increase or decrease over the next few million years. Explain your reasoning.
the amount of hydrogen will decrease and the amount of helium will increase as hydrogen bonds fuse to form helium.
Explain why the sun's corona can be seen during an eclipse but not at other times.
the corona is usually hidden by the bright light of the sun, and during a solar eclipse, the moon passes between Earth and the Sun.
