Chapter 14: Problem 1
The physical model of the Sun's interior has been confirmed by observations of a. neutrinos and seismic vibrations. b. sunspots and solar flares. c. neutrinos and positrons. d. sample returns from spacecraft. e. sunspots and seismic vibrations.
Short Answer
Expert verified
a. neutrinos and seismic vibrations
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Question
Identify what the question is asking. It asks which observations have confirmed the physical model of the Sun's interior.
02
Evaluate Each Option
Evaluate each answer option to determine if they are relevant to the observations confirming the physical model of the Sun's interior.
03
Option a: Neutrinos and Seismic Vibrations
Neutrinos are subatomic particles that can provide information about the nuclear processes happening inside the Sun. Seismic vibrations, such as those studied in helioseismology, help scientists understand the Sun's internal structure.
04
Option b: Sunspots and Solar Flares
Sunspots and solar flares are phenomena observed on the Sun's surface. While they provide some information about solar activity, they do not directly confirm the physical model of the Sun's interior.
05
Option c: Neutrinos and Positrons
Neutrinos are relevant as they give information about internal nuclear processes. However, positrons are not typically associated with confirming the Sun's internal model.
06
Option d: Sample Returns from Spacecraft
No spacecraft has returned samples from the Sun. Thus, this option is not feasible for confirming the Sun's interior model.
07
Option e: Sunspots and Seismic Vibrations
Sunspots provide surface activity information, whereas seismic vibrations help understand internal structure, but this combination does not fully confirm the physical model of the Sun's interior.
08
Select the Best Option
The observations that have confirmed the physical model of the Sun's interior are neutrinos and seismic vibrations, as they provide information about both the internal nuclear processes and the internal structure.
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
neutrinos
Neutrinos are fascinating subatomic particles generated during nuclear reactions, particularly in the Sun's core. Understanding them aids in confirming the Sun's interior model. These tiny particles can penetrate almost anything without being stopped or deflected, making them crucial for studying the Sun's innermost processes. Detectors on Earth measure these neutrinos to provide data on the Sun's fusion processes. By analyzing neutrino counts and behaviors, scientists can verify their theories about solar nuclear reactions. This is compelling evidence that supports the physical model of the Sun's interior. Neutrinos reveal direct insights into the processes happening at the core, something no other particle can provide.
seismic vibrations
Seismic vibrations in the Sun, or 'sunquakes,' function similarly to earthquakes on Earth. These vibrations occur due to pressure waves within the Sun, also known as helioseismic waves. When measured, they reveal details about the solar interior's structure. By analyzing these vibrations, researchers can infer data about properties such as density and temperature in different layers. This analysis is akin to how geologists use earthquakes to study Earth's interior. Altogether, seismic vibrations are instrumental in confirming our understanding of the Sun's inner configuration.
helioseismology
Helioseismology is a specialized field that studies the Sun’s interior through its seismic vibrations. This science allows us to visualize the inner workings of the Sun by analyzing oscillations and sound waves traveling through it. Using instruments like the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO), scientists can measure these waves with precision. With the help of helioseismology, we track how these waves move and reflect inside the Sun, giving insights into its composition, dynamics, and structure. Essentially, helioseismology allows a peek into the Sun’s hidden layers, confirming many aspects of the solar interior model.
solar activity
Solar activity encompasses phenomena like sunspots, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections. While solar activity primarily affects the Sun’s surface and outer atmosphere, it provides indirect evidence of processes in the Sun's interior. For instance, cycles and patterns in solar activity can be linked to movements and changes in the Sun’s magnetic field, originating deep within it. Understanding these activities helps complement the data we gather from neutrinos and seismic vibrations, creating a fuller picture of the Sun’s model. However, unlike neutrinos and seismic vibrations, solar activity alone isn't sufficient to confirm the internal structure but provides valuable context and additional verification.