The SunEnergy Output: 4 x 1026 Watts
If we could 1 second of this energy in its entirety, convert it to electricity and sold it at 5 cents / kilowatt, it would make $ 6 x 1018.
Energy generated by Nuclear Fusion at the Sun’s core.
The Core
Very small. Only 1.5 % of the Sun’s total volume.
Temperature: 15.6 million Kelvin
Density: 150,000 kg / m3.
High Density and Temperature are ideal conditions for nuclear fusion!
Nuclear fusion: Hydrogen ions (H+) come within
10-15 m of each other to form Helium (He) atoms.
All of the Sun’s energy is produced in this
small region!
Hydrogen atom
Radiation Zone
Comprised of very dense gas. Energy transport to the surface is slow.
The temperature of the sun decreases rapidly as you move out from the center.
Atoms absorb energy from core. Energy emitted in the form of electromagnetic radiation from atom to atom.
Convection Zone
-Hot atoms rise to surface, cool atoms fall close in.
Loops of gas form moving energy to sun’s surface
Outer Layers of Sun
The part visible to us.
Comprised of gas dense gas.
Chromosphere:
Visible only during total solar eclipses
Corona:
Outer most layer of sun. Extends far out into space.
The Core
Very small. Only 1.5 % of the Sun’s total volume.
Temperature: 15.6 million Kelvin
Density: 150,000 kg / m3.
High Density and Temperature are ideal conditions for nuclear fusion!
Nuclear fusion: Hydrogen ions (H+) come within
10-15 m of each other to form Helium (He) atoms. High velocities are necessary for this.
1.) Draw two H ions.
2.) Why are high temperatures and high density necessary for nuclear fusion?
Hydrogen atom
Class Work
Sunspots
Prominences