The Sun

The Sun is the star at the center of our solar system. It is a nearly perfect sphere of hot plasma, with internal convective motion that generates a magnetic field via a dynamo process. The Sun is by far the most important source of energy for life on Earth.

Structure of the Sun

The Sun can be divided into several layers. From the inside out, the solar interior consists of the core, the radiative zone, and the convective zone. The outer layer of the Sun is called the photosphere, and above that lies the chromosphere and the corona.

Core

The core is the innermost layer of the Sun, where nuclear fusion occurs. The extreme pressure and temperature in the core cause hydrogen atoms to collide and fuse into helium, releasing a tremendous amount of energy in the process.

Radiative Zone

The radiative zone is the layer of the Sun through which energy is transferred outward by means of radiation. Photons created in the core are scattered in this zone and can take thousands of years to reach the convective zone.

Convective Zone

The convective zone is the outermost layer of the solar interior. Energy is transported by the motion of hot gas in the form of convection currents. This layer is characterized by the churning motion of the solar material.

Photosphere

The photosphere is the visible surface of the Sun. It emits the sunlight that we see and is the layer from which energy is emitted into space.

Chromosphere and Corona

Above the photosphere are the chromosphere and the corona. These layers are normally not visible to the naked eye except during a total solar eclipse.

Solar Energy and Solar Wind

The Sun radiates a tremendous amount of energy, which is the primary source of energy for life on Earth. The solar wind, a stream of charged particles released from the upper atmosphere of the Sun, also has a significant impact on the Earth's magnetosphere and atmosphere.

Study Guide

What are the main layers of the Sun's interior?
How is energy transported in the radiative zone?
What is the photosphere and what does it emit?
What is the solar wind, and how does it affect the Earth?

◂Chemistry Worksheets and Study Guides High School. Elements and the periodic table

Worksheet/Answer key

Elements and the periodic table

Worksheet/Answer key

Elements and the periodic table

Worksheet/Answer key

Elements and the periodic table

Vocabulary/Answer key

Elements and the periodic table

Vocabulary/Answer key

Elements and the periodic table

Vocabulary/Answer key

Elements and the periodic table

The resources above cover the following skills:

Skills And Processes: The student will demonstrate ways of thinking and acting inherent in the practice of science. The student will use the language and instruments of science to collect, organize, interpret, calculate, and communicate information.

The student will explain why curiosity, honesty, openness, and skepticism are highly regarded in science.

The student will modify or affirm scientific ideas according to accumulated evidence.

The student will pose scientific questions and suggest investigative approaches to provide answers to questions.

The student will test a working hypothesis. (NTB)

The student will use relationships discovered in the lab to explain phenomena observed outside the laboratory.

The student will demonstrate that data analysis is a vital aspect of the process of scientific inquiry and communication.

The student will organize data appropriately using techniques such as tables, graphs, and webs (for graphs: axes labeled with appropriate quantities, appropriate units on axes, axes labeled with appropriate intervals, independent and dependent variables on correct axes, appropriate title).

The student will analyze data to make predictions, decisions, or draw conclusions.

The student will use analyzed data to confirm, modify, or reject a hypothesis.

The student will use appropriate methods for communicating in writing and orally the processes and results of scientific investigation.

The student will use, explain, and/or construct various classification systems.

The student will communicate conclusions derived through a synthesis of ideas.

Concepts Of Chemistry: The student will demonstrate the ability to use scientific skills and processes (Core Learning Goal 1) to explain composition and interactions of matter in the world in which we live.

The student will explain that atoms have structure and this structure serves as the basis for the properties of elements and the bonds that they form.

The student will analyze the structure of the atom and describe the characteristics of the particles found there.

The student will demonstrate that the arrangement and number of electrons and the properties of elements repeat in a periodic manner illustrated by their arrangement in the periodic table.