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Chapter 14: Problem 3

Sunspots, flares, prominences, and coronal mass ejections are all caused by a. magnetic activity on the Sun. b. electrical activity on the Sun. c. the interaction of the Sun's magnetic field and the interstellar medium. d. the interaction of the solar wind and Earth's magnetic field. e. the interaction of the solar wind and the Sun's magnetic field.

Short Answer

Expert verified
a. Magnetic activity on the Sun.

Step by step solution

01

Identify scientific phenomena

Sunspots, flares, prominences, and coronal mass ejections are all phenomena related to the Sun. These are various forms of solar activity.
02

Understand the cause

Identify what generally causes these solar phenomena. Research shows that these activities are primarily associated with the Sun's magnetic field.
03

Analyze answer choices

Review each of the given answer choices to see which one aligns with the identified cause. a. Magnetic activity on the Sun. b. Electrical activity on the Sun. c. Interaction of the Sun's magnetic field and the interstellar medium. d. Interaction of the solar wind and Earth's magnetic field. e. Interaction of the solar wind and the Sun's magnetic field.
04

Eliminate incorrect options

Electrical activity is not primarily responsible for these phenomena, so eliminate option b. The interactions listed in options c, d, and e do not directly explain the sunspots, flares, prominences, and coronal mass ejections, since they highlight interactions with other elements rather than the Sun's intrinsic activity.
05

Select the correct option

The only option that directly connects to the root cause of these solar activities is 'a. Magnetic activity on the Sun.'

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Key Concepts

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

Sunspots
Sunspots are dark spots that appear on the surface of the Sun. They are cooler areas compared to their surroundings and are caused by the Sun's magnetic activity. These spots occur because magnetic fields become very strong in certain areas, slowing down the convective movement of heat.

This difference in temperature makes sunspots appear dark. Sunspots often come in pairs, with one having a magnetic north and the other a magnetic south.

Key characteristics of sunspots include:
  • Lower temperature than surrounding areas
  • Can last from days to months
  • Often occur in groups or clusters
Solar Flares
Solar flares are sudden, intense bursts of radiation coming from the release of magnetic energy. These flares occur in the Sun's atmosphere and can last from minutes to hours.

When magnetic energy built up in the solar atmosphere is abruptly released, it can cause a solar flare. This release sends out energy and particles into space.

Important points about solar flares:
  • Classified according to their strength: X-class (major), M-class (medium), and C-class (small)
  • Can disrupt communications and navigation systems on Earth
  • Often occur near sunspot regions
Solar Prominences
Solar prominences are large, bright features extending from the Sun's surface. These are composed of cool, dense plasma suspended above the Sun's surface by magnetic fields.

They can appear as loop-like structures that extend out into the Sun's corona. Prominences can last for several days, and they can actually be seen during a solar eclipse as bright arcs.

Key features of solar prominences:
  • Visible during solar eclipses
  • Held up by the Sun's magnetic fields
  • Can reach heights of tens of thousands of kilometers
Coronal Mass Ejections
Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) are massive bursts of solar wind and magnetic fields rising above the solar corona.

CMEs eject huge quantities of matter and electromagnetic radiation into space. These ejections can interact with the Earth's magnetosphere and cause geomagnetic storms.

Core aspects of CMEs:
  • Contain billions of tons of plasma
  • Can significantly impact Earth's magnetic field
  • Often associated with solar flares and prominence eruptions
Solar Magnetic Activity
Solar magnetic activity is the dynamo effect in the Sun that causes the various magnetic phenomena mentioned above. The Sun's magnetic field is generated by the movement of conductive plasma within the Sun.

This magnetic activity affects the entire solar system, influencing space weather and even technological systems on Earth.

Main aspects of solar magnetic activity:
  • Drives sunspots, flares, prominences, and CMEs
  • Influences solar cycles, which last about 11 years
  • Can disrupt satellite and communication systems on Earth

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Most popular questions from this chapter

The solar neutrino problem pointed to a fundamental gap in our knowledge of a. nuclear fusion. b. neutrinos. c. hydrostatic equilibrium. d. magnetic fields.

The Sun shines by converting mass into energy according to \(E=m c^{2} .\) Show that if the Sun produces \(3.85 \times 10^{26} \mathrm{J}\) of energy per second, it must convert 4.3 million metric tons \(\left(4.3 \times 10^{\circ} \mathrm{kg}\right)\) of mass per second into energy.

Explain the proton-proton chain through which the sun generates energy by converting hydrogen to helium.

On average, how long does it take particles in the solar wind to reach Earth from the Sun if they are traveling at an average speed of \(400 \mathrm{km} / \mathrm{s} ?\)

As energy moves out from the Sun's core toward its surface, it first travels by __________ then by ________ and then by __________ . a. radiation; conduction; radiation b. conduction; radiation; convection c. radiation; convection; radiation d. radiation; convection; conduction
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