Chapter 14: A Run-of-the-Mill G Dwarf: Our Sun

Study Plan

To most humans the Sun is the most important object in the heavens. It lights our days, warms our planet, and provides the energy for life. But to astronomers the Sun is a typical main sequence star, located conveniently nearby for detailed study. In this chapter, as we take a closer look at our local star, we will learn about

  • The balances between pressure and gravity and between energy generation and loss that determine the structure of the Sun.
  • Fusion of hydrogen to helium, and how mass is efficiently converted into energy in the Sun's core.
  • The different ways that energy moves outward from the Sun's core toward its surface.
  • Physical models of the Sun's interior and how they are tested using observations of solar neutrinos and seismic vibrations on the surface of the Sun.
  • The structure of the Sun's atmosphere, from its 5,770 K photosphere to its 1 million K corona.
  • Sunspots, flares, coronal mass ejections, and other consequences of magnetic activity on the Sun.
  • Eleven- and 22-year cycles in solar activity.
  • The solar wind streaming away from the Sun.
  • How solar activity affects Earth.

Organize

  1. Read Chapter 14 in your textbook or ebook.
  2. Take the Diagnostic Quiz to assess your understanding of the basic concepts and identify gaps in your understanding of the assigned reading.

Learn

  1. Access the Animations given for this chapter. These brief lessons enhance your understanding of core concepts.
    AnimationThe Solar Core
    Section: 14.2
  2. Use the FlashCards to test your memory for new terms.
  3. Review Foundations Box 14.1 on The Proton-Proton Chain and Tools Box 14.1 on Neutrino Astronomy.
  4. If your instructor has assigned SmartWork online homework, login from the right navigation pane for additional practice and review.

Connect

  1. Periodic Connections boxes and the Seeing the Forest through the Trees section at the chapter's end draw your attention to recurring themes and help prepare you for concepts explored more fully in subsequent chapters.
  2. Visit Astronomy in the News for breaking news of new discoveries and the opportunity to apply what you've learned in this chapter to real-world (and real Universe) events.


Section Menu

Organize

Learn

Connect

Norton Gradebook

Instructors now have an easy way to collect students’ online quizzes with the Norton Gradebook without flooding their inboxes with e-mails.

Students can track their online quiz scores by setting up their own Student Gradebook.