Chapter 14: Problem 3

Which of the following energy transport mechanisms is active in the layer directly outside the core of the Sun? a. convection b. conduction c. radiation

Short Answer

Expert verified

c. radiation

Step by step solution

- Identify Layers of the Sun

Understand that the Sun is composed of several layers, including the core, radiative zone, convective zone, and outer layers (photosphere, chromosphere, and corona).

- Define Each Energy Transport Mechanism

Convection involves the movement of fluid or gas that transfers heat through the bulk motion of material. Conduction is the process where heat is transferred directly through a material. Radiation is the transfer of energy through electromagnetic waves.

- Determine the Energy Transport Mechanism Directly Outside the Core

Immediately outside the core of the Sun is the radiative zone. In this zone, energy is primarily transported through radiation.

- Select the Correct Answer

Given the explanation above, the energy transport mechanism active directly outside the core of the Sun is radiation.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Layers of the Sun

The Sun, our closest star, is composed of distinct layers, each playing a crucial role in its functions. Understanding these layers helps us grasp how energy moves from the core to the surface and eventually to space.

The primary layers of the Sun include:

Core: The central region where nuclear fusion occurs, producing immense amounts of energy.

Radiative Zone: Located just outside the core, this area is where energy is transported outward by radiation.

Convective Zone: Above the radiative zone, this layer involves the movement of hot plasma, which transfers energy via convection.

Photosphere: The visible surface of the Sun, from which light and heat are radiated into space.

Chromosphere: A thin layer above the photosphere, characterized by a reddish glow observed during solar eclipses.

Corona: The outermost layer, extending far into space, visible during a total solar eclipse as a bright halo.

Understanding these layers provides a framework for analyzing how energy moves within the Sun.

Radiative Zone

Immediately outside the Sun's core lies the radiative zone. In this layer, energy transfer occurs primarily through radiation.

Radiation in the radiative zone involves energy moving as electromagnetic waves, primarily photons. Photons generated in the core are absorbed and re-emitted by particles in the radiative zone, gradually making their way outward.

Key characteristics of the radiative zone:

Energy Transfer: Dominated by radiation, unlike the core or convective zone.

Dense Plasma: Composed of a dense plasma that impedes the direct passage of photons.

Slow Process: Photons undergo numerous interactions before escaping this zone, a process that can take millions of years.

This slow migration of photons illustrates the intricate nature of energy transport within the Sun.

Energy Transfer

Energy transfer is the movement of energy from one place to another, critical to understanding how the Sun functions. In the Sun, the primary energy transfer mechanisms include conduction, convection, and radiation, each occurring under specific conditions.

Conduction: The process where heat energy is transferred directly through a material. This mechanism is not significant in the Sun due to its gaseous state.

Convection: This involves the bulk movement of plasma, transporting heat from hotter parts to cooler regions. Occurs mainly in the convective zone.

Radiation: The transfer of energy via electromagnetic waves, dominant in the radiative zone. Here, energy from the core travels outward through photons.

Each mechanism's role depends on the Sun's specific regions. For example, radiation dominates in the radiative zone, while convection takes over in the convective zone. Understanding these mechanisms helps explain the complex energy dynamics within the Sun.

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Which of the following energy transport mechanisms is active in the layer directly outside the core of the Sun? a. convection b. conduction c. radiation

Short Answer

Step by step solution

- Identify Layers of the Sun

- Define Each Energy Transport Mechanism

- Determine the Energy Transport Mechanism Directly Outside the Core

- Select the Correct Answer

Key Concepts

Layers of the Sun

Radiative Zone

Energy Transfer

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