Chapter 16: Problem 18
Briefly describe the three layers that make up the Sun's atmosphere. In what ways do they differ from each other?
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Chapter 16: Problem 18
Briefly describe the three layers that make up the Sun's atmosphere. In what ways do they differ from each other?
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The amount of energy required to dislodge the extra electron from a negative hydrogen ion is \(1.2 \times 10^{-19} \mathrm{~J}\). (a) The extra electron can be dislodged if the ion absorbs a photon of sufficiently short wavelength. (Recall from Section \(5-5\) that the higher the energy of a photon, the shorter its wavelength.) Find the longest wavelength (in \(\mathrm{nm}\) ) that can accomplish this. (b) In what part of the electromagnetic spectrum does this wavelength lie? (c) Would a photon of visible light be able to dislodge the extra electron? Explain. (d) Explain why the photosphere, which contains negative hydrogen ions, is quite opaque to visible light but is less opaque to light with wavelengths longer than the value you calculated in (a).
What are spicules? Where are they found? How can you observe them? What causes them?
Use the Starry Night Enthusiast \({ }^{\mathrm{TM}}\) program to measure the Sun's rotation. Display the entire celestial sphere by selecting Guides \(>\) Atlas in the Favourites menu and center on the Sun by doubleclicking on Sun in the Find pane. Using the controls at the right-hand end of the toolbar, zoom in until you can see details on the Sun's surface clearly. In the toolbar, set the Time Flow Rate to 1 day. Using the time forward and backward buttons in the toolbar, step through enough time to determine the rotation period of the Sun. Which part of the actual Sun's surface rotates at the rate shown in Stamy Night Enthusiast 'M? (Note: The program does not show the Sun's differential rotation.)
The amount of visible light emitted by the Sun varies only a little over the 11-year sunspot cycle. But the amount of \(X\) rays emitted by the Sun can be 10 times greater at solar maximum than at solar minimum. Explain why these two types of radiation should be so different in their variability.
(Refer to the preceding question.) Sirius has \(2.3\) times the mass of the Sun. Do you expect that the lifetime of Sirius will be longer, shorter, or the same length as that of the Sun? Explain your reasoning.
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