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Sun Terms
Sun related terms and their definitions.
20
Astronomy
8th Grade
03/20/2014

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Term
Core
Definition
The layer of the sun where four hydrogen atoms join to make one helium atom.
Term
Radiative Zone
Definition
The layer of the sun where photons travel outward from the core VERY slowly!
Term
Convective Zone
Definition
The layer of the sun where gases circulate due to differences in temperature and pressure.
Term
Photosphere
Definition
Lowest level of the sun's atmosphere.  Some refer to this as the visible surface of the sun.
Term
Chromosphere
Definition
Layer of the sun's atmosphere which is reddish in color due to electrically charged huydrogen atoms.
Term
Corona
Definition
The  outermost layer of the sun's atmosphere which extends millions of miles out into the solar system.
Term
Sun
Definition
A large ball of plasma mostly made of hydrogen and helium.
Term
Nuclear Fusion
Definition
The process by which two or more low-mass nuclei combine to form another nucleus.
Term
Differential Rotation
Definition
Differences in the sun's rotation at different locations.
Term
Sunspots
Definition
Cooler, darker areas on the sun's surface which occur because of higher electromagnetic energy being given off.
Term
Solar Prominence
Definition
A large, bright arc of plasma that erupts from the surface of the sun.
Term
Solar Flare
Definition
A magnetic storm on the sun which appears to be a very bright spot and a gaseous eruption that goes straight out into space.
Term
Solar Eclipse
Definition
When the moon blocks the view of the sun for some places on Earth.
Term
Astronomical Unit
Definition
The average distance from the core of the Earth to the core of the Sun.
Term
Eight
Definition
The number of minutes it takes the sun's light to travel from the Sun to the Earth.
Term
Conduction
Definition
When heat travels through matter, such as copper.
Term
Convection
Definition
When heat travels in circular patterns due to the fact that hot air is less dense than cold air.
Term
Radiation
Definition
When  heat travels outward from an object, such as a campfire or the sun.
Term
Photosynthesis
Definition
The process that plants go through which uses the sun's energy to cause a chemical reaction.  The chemical reaction creates food for the plant.
Term
Solar Power
Definition
Collecting energy from the Sun in photovoltaic cells to be used as electricity in powering our homes.
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