The Sun!

PH 545-549

Previously, in physical science…

You learned how gravity is a force that attracts all objects toward each other. Now, you will learn about the role of gravity in maintaning the shape of the sun. You will also learn about the structure of the sun and how it produces energy!

I print out a copy of this for each student. You can also have the students make their own!

1. What is the source of light in the solar system?

• The sun!

• Planets and moons do not produce their own light, the reflect the sun’s

2. What powers the sun?

• The sun produces energy through nuclear fusion.

3. Why doesn’t the sun explode?

• Gravity pulls matter inward!

4. What are the interior layers of the sun?

The core, the radiation zone, and the convection zone.

• Find and label the “core” on your diagram. Also label that it is 15 million degrees Celsius and where the sun’s energy is produced. Color it light yellow.

• Find and label the “radiation zone.” Matter is tightly packed and energy is transferred by radiation. Color it dark yellow

• Find and label the “convection zone.” This is where hot gases rise from the bottom to the surface. Color this orange.

5. What are the 3 layers of the sun’s atmosphere?The photosphere, the chromosphere, and the

corona

• Find and label “photosphere.” This is what we think of as the surface of the sun, where light is produced. Color this dark orange.

• Find and label “chromosphere.” This is the middle layer of the atmosphere and appears red. Color this red.

• Find and label the “corona.” The outer layer of the sun’s atmosphere. Visible only during a solar eclipse. Color this white?

6. What is solar wind?

• Electrically charged particles which disrupt TV, radio, & telephones. Cause the Aurora Borealis & Aurora Australis.

http://www.xs4all.nl/~dmsweb/aurora/21januari2005/aurora_20050121.html

7. What are 3 important features on the sun’s surface?1. Sunspots – areas of cooler gas (appear

dark)

2. Prominences – reddish loops connecting sunspots.

3. Solar flares – giant eruptions on the sun.

8. How old is the sun?

• About 4.5 billion years

9. What will happen to the sun in the future?

• It will eventually run out of hydrogen, enlarge, and end life on Earth.